Quenneville to pick his spots with Sharp at point

The experiment of playing Patrick Sharp at the left point on the power play might be nearing an end, although Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said he can see putting the winger back there at certain times.

Sharp was used down lower on the power play in Saturday's game against the Dallas Stars with Duncan Keith at the left point on the first power play unit opposite Cam Barker.

"I think he's been fine," Quenneville said of Sharp at the point. "Whether he plays the point or up front, I think that flexibility is something we can move in and out from that area. Having two different looks there is fine."

Playing the point has been a learning process for Sharp, who fumbled the puck away several times in Wednesday's game against Edmonton.

Sharp wasn't at the point for the second of two power plays in Thursday's win at Nashville. The Hawks were trying to protect a lead and Quenneville didn't want any mistakes made.

"It's just being comfortable with the puck," Sharp said. "I know you're just accepting a pass or stick handling, but you're that last line of defense so if that thing bounces over your stick or you make the wrong play it could be a short-handed chance against.

"That's the biggest thing, I don't want to say fear, but overcoming that anxiousness of causing a turnover. I think you get better and better it as you do it."

Quenneville wants to use Sharp almost as a rover on the power play up and down the wall and even in front of the net.

Barker thinks Sharp would get better the more he plays the point.

"He's obviously got great vision, which always helps and he's a great passer," Barker said. "He's responsible defensively, but it does take a little bit to get used to. You try not to rush things. At the beginning he just wanted to shoot everything and he was kind of a little antsy. You just want to settle it down and wait for the right time."

Waiver claim: The Hawks picked up skilled center Andrew Ebbett from Anaheim on waivers Saturday.

Ebbett has 32 points in 57 career NHL games and could be insurance against Dave Bolland missing more time because of his back issues.

Players claimed on waivers must be put on the NHL roster, which means Ebbett would need to clear waivers again to be sent to Rockford.