Hawks' Sharp struggling at center

Patrick Sharp isn't necessarily in a full-scale slump, although being minus-5 with 1 goal in the last six games has him started toward one.

Sharp's production has slipped ever since he needed to go back to playing center following the knee injury to Jonathan Toews.

"Maybe it's had a little bit to do with it," Sharp said. "You can attack more offensively at wing, whereas at center you have more responsibility in the middle of the ice."

Sharp would prefer to play wing, but he will stay at center as long as Toews is out and coach Denis Savard needs him there.

"It doesn't really matter because Savvy uses me in a lot of different situations, but I grew up a winger and have had my most success there," Sharp said.

The way Savard sees it, Sharp's confidence has dropped from the level it was earlier when he pushed his goal total to a team-best 21. Savard admits he would prefer to play Sharp at wing but that it's not possible at the moment.

"The last few games his confidence has dropped a bit," Savard said. "Part of it for him is he's got to understand how he got his goals and points, by playing good defense.

"I'm not saying he's not playing any defense, but he has to be more consistent at it. He feels he has to score to help us win, but at the same time he has to realize his defensive play is his best offense.

"I've always thought he's a better winger, but the way the club is with all the injuries we have, he has to play center. We have no choice. I know he's a better winger and it might be hurting him a little in the last week."

Toews figures to be out of the lineup another 2-3 weeks, and it has been an eye opener as to how much the Hawks have missed the 19-year-old rookie. They haven't won since he went down on New Year's night in Los Angeles.

"There's no question we miss him," Savard said. "By a country mile he's been our best player with Sharpie night in and night out."

Toews has been missed at both ends of the ice and as a leader.

"From goaltender to defense to center, these are the most important positions," Savard said. "He's been our No. 1 center all year. (Robert) Lang has played good, but Toews has played against the best lines of the other teams every night almost.

"I was hoping nothing would happen to him, but I knew there was a chance he could get hurt because he plays so hard. He'll be back in a few weeks and hopefully we're still in the race."

The injured Hawks are beginning to trickle back. First it was Martin Havlat, then Brent Sopel returned Friday against Minnesota, and Jim Wisniewski is expected to resume skating Monday.

"Sure, we miss those guys, but it gives other guys opportunities to step up their game and step up their play if they want to be a Blackhawk for a long time," Savard said. "If they want to be part of this Stanley Cup team that's going to be here the next few years they have to show us.

"I know we're going to win the Cup here. We're on the right track. Some guys are capable of filling some of these roles. But the ones that are not able to won't be part of it, simple as that."

Tonight's faceoff

Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators at the Sommet Center, 7 p.m.

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

The skinny: For the second straight game the Hawks catch a team playing the second night of back-to-back games. The Predators were in Columbus on Saturday night, while the Hawks were off. The season series is tied at 2-2 with the Hawks winning the last two meetings in Chicago by 5-2 scores, both behind goalie Patrick Lalime, who starts again. Robert Lang has 5 goals in the four games and Patrick Sharp 3.

Player to watch: Patrick Lalime. The Hawks are in desperate need of a great game from their backup goaltender.

Next: St. Louis Blues at the United Center, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

-- Tim Sassone