Blackhawks power play still stuck in the middle

The Blackhawks' power play hasn't been great, nor has it been awful, pretty much reflecting its middle-of-the-pack ranking of 17th in the NHL.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville believes it's time for the power play to step up and become the strength of the team, as it should with offensive forces such as Brian Campbell, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews on the first unit.

"Our power play has been pretty effective, but I still think that it's something that should be one of our strengths, our go-to type of thing particularly at important times in games, the third period power play when you can get that timely goal," Quenneville said.

Much of Thursday's practice was devoted to the power play with Cam Barker getting a look at left point opposite Campbell.

Quenneville has been searching for the right fit to play alongside Campbell on the first unit with Barker's audition following those for Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

"Barks has a big shot, and I think that's a threat," Quenneville said. "We could utilize more of the point-shot presence on our power play and get a little more movement as well. Barks gets an opportunity and we'll see how he handles it."

Feel the energy: With six of the next seven games at home, the Hawks will try to keep taking advantage of the big crowds at the United Center before heading out on the annual circus road trip.

The Hawks are 3-0-2 so far at home.

"We should emphasize the importance of playing at home and playing well here," Joel Quenneville said. "I think we've established that pretty early now.

"There's a lot of enthusiasm that the fans can give our team, and I think we've been responding. The starts to the game have been getting them into the game and using that to their advantage."

Each of the first five home games has been a sellout.

"Everyone around hockey likes to see this building with the enthusiasm we've had each and every game," Quenneville said.

Tip-ins: Nikolai Khabibulin starts in goal tonight against Dallas for the seventh time in 10 games - Joel Quenneville said Dustin Byfuglien will remain at wing for now instead of moving back to defense. "It's still a good option to have, but right now we're going to keep him up front," Quenneville said - The line of Byfuglien, Dave Bolland and Andrew Ladd hasn't produced a goal yet - The NHL has moved the tradeline back one day to March 4.