Hawks are reeling but get Sharp back tonight

The playoff chase in the Western Conference gets tighter every day. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, they continue to drop back to the pack.

Five straight losses and seven in their last eight games has left the Hawks in the kind of freefall where finishing seventh or eighth - and having to play either Detroit or San Jose in the first round - isn't out of the question.

There's still time for the Hawks to right the ship and finish fourth, but the schedule is getting shorter with only 12 games to play.

"Obviously the facts and the standings are at the forefront of our focus right now," Hawks captain Jonathan Toews said. "We're aware of what's going on, but we're trying our best to control the things we can.

"We know that those teams right around the playoff cutoff are going to come and play just as hard as us. ... It's been a rough go lately, but I think if we keep working we're going to get the breaks. We have to. I think we have too much talent and too much character in this room not to."

The Hawks have played with more passion and emotion in the last two games, getting points out of an overtime loss in Columbus and Friday's 5-4 shootout loss to Edmonton.

But defensive breakdowns and mediocre goaltending have cost them.

"We're having a hard time keeping it out of our net," coach Joel Quenneville said.

There is help on the way, however, as Patrick Sharp returns to the lineup today when the Hawks play Los Angeles at the United Center.

Sharp was the team's leading goal scorer when he sprained his left knee on Feb. 14 against Dallas. He skated at practice Saturday on a line with Toews and Troy Brouwer.

These are pressure packed times for the Hawks, many of whom are having their eyes opened by what it's like to be in an NHL playoff race where only the most desperate teams survive.

"It's something we're going to have to learn to deal with, whether it's now or later or in the postseason," Toews said. "I think pressure is just something you learn how to deal with. We all know there are expectations outside this locker room and inside this locker room as well, so it's all about preparation and making sure that we're ready to play coming to the rink."

If there has been a bright spot defensively the last two games it's rookie Niklas Hjalmarsson, who was solid in 19 minutes Friday while Matt Walker struggled (minus-2).

The 21-year-old Hjalmarsson appears to be earning more of Quenneville's confidence in the games he has played since the trade deadline when James Wisniewski was traded to Anaheim.

"He's been really good," Quenneville said. "He's got real good poise and patience for a youngster and sees plays. He handles the puck simple and makes the safe and easy plays, and right plays. He's going to be a special player if he continues. Not too many guys can come in at this time of the year at that age and be that effective."