Chicago Blackhawks' Hossa shooting for No. 500

Four more goals.

That's all Marian Hossa needs to reach 500 for his career, which would put him in an elite group of just 43 NHL players.

All season, Hossa has put that milestone out of his mind. Sunday after practice, though, the 37-year-old veteran admitted he might need to try a different strategy.

"It's not working, so maybe I should start thinking about it more," said a laughing Hossa. "But, definitely, it's right there. I would love to get it before the season is over.

"But just want to make sure my game's there, and if it is, there will be chances and hopefully goals."

After missing nine games with a lower-body injury suffered on a Hampus Lindholm hip check Feb. 13 against Anaheim, Hossa returned Friday when the Chicago Blackhawks dropped a 5-2 decision in Dallas.

"I felt pretty decent for missing almost a month," Hossa said. "Felt pretty good skating-wise; the stability was good. So I was happy about it."

It has been a rough season for Hossa, who has missed 14 games due to injuries and has just 10 goals and 18 assists. Despite those numbers, Hossa still plays tenacious defense, is a big part of the penalty kill and remains one of the best in the league at controlling the puck.

And, as Hossa reminded reporters Sunday, he isn't that far removed from his last big season.

"You know, (two) years ago scoring 30, it wasn't that bad," he said. "Last year I played all the games, so I was happy about it. Obviously this season is not what I expected goal-wise or offensively, especially with so many chances I've had. That's a tough one.

"But it is what it is. Still got to play my game no matter what happens."

Injury update:

Duncan Keith and Michal Rozsival did not practice Sunday at the United Center. Coach Joel Quenneville said Keith is fine, and that Rozsival, who has been out with a lower-body injury, might be able to play Monday against the Los Angeles Kings.

Lookahead:

Four of the next five games for the Hawks come against teams fighting for playoff position or a playoff berth. After hosting the Pacific Division-leading Kings on Monday, the Hawks will host Philadelphia, which is suddenly just 3 points behind Detroit for the final playoff spot in the East. The Hawks will travel to Winnipeg, then they will host Minnesota and Dallas. The Wild is locked into a battle with the Avs for the final spot in the West, while the Stars are tied with the Blues atop the Central.