Hawks’ first line continues to roll

While the Blackhawks have lacked consistency from their second, third and fourth lines of late, the first line of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp continues to roll.

“They just know where each is going to be in the offensive end,” assistant coach Mike Haviland said. “But I also think their level of intensity has picked up and maybe they’re trying to show the lead here and how it’s going to get done and what needs to be done each night.

“They’ve been around what it takes to win, and we need to follow their lead for sure.”

This is the time of year when a team’s best players have to rise to the occasion, which is what Toews, Kane and Sharp are doing.

“It’s that time of the year when there’s nothing to save it for,” Toews said. “There’s no more time to wait. Everyone’s on a certain pace during the year, but it’s got to be a sprint to the finish and we’re definitely feeling that pressure as a line to go out and score, whether it’s on the power play or 5-on-5.”

Sharp has thrived back at wing with his two skilled teammates.

“We’re skating well, that’s the difference out there,” Sharp said. “We’re moving our feet and coming up with a lot of pucks. Jonathan and Patrick like to hang on to it and I like to get open to shoot it, so it’s a good mix.”

Follow the leader:

As far as captains go, Jonathan Toews has few equals around the NHL.

And he’s only 22.

Toews’ leadership has been tested this season as he has had to deal with many different situations with the Hawks struggling pretty much since opening night.

“I think it’s been a big challenge for him,” Mike Haviland said. “He’s a guy who leads as example on the ice and in practice and in games, and guys follow right behind him.

“He’s had to do a lot more talking and maybe put his arm around guys and push guys a little more to stand up. It’s something I’m sure he has in him, but I’m not sure he likes to do it all the time.

“Certainly I’ve seen that with him on the bench this year and in the locker room, showing he’s one of the best leaders, I think, in the whole game.”

Tip-ins:

Fernando Pisani, who suffered an injury to his head and neck Feb. 11 at Dallas, still has not been cleared to skate. … The trade deadline is Monday and all remains quiet with the Hawks, although there are rumblings general manager Stan Bowman is stepping up his efforts to acquire another defenseman.