Sharp’s surprise return sparks Hawks

When it comes to the Blackhawks’ injury front, the news lately hasn’t been too good — what with Patrick Sharp, Dave Bolland and now Troy Brouwer out of action.

But that list was trimmed Wednesday with Sharp’s surprise return to the lineup. And it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Hawks, who have struggled mightily on offense (13 goals in seven games) since the veteran hurt his knee.

It didn’t take long for Sharp to get on the scoresheet courtesy of a second-period assist on Marian Hossa’s goal.

“We’re encouraged,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “Every day has been better. We talked to him and he felt good and he looked good.”

Brouwer outage:Troy Brouwer slowly made his way to the locker room at the United Center late Wednesday afternoon, sporting a suit, a downcast look and his arm in a sling.This after a scary crash into the boards Tuesday night in Montreal, a fall that left the big Blackhawks forward writhing in pain.Officially, he is listed as day to day with an upper body injury.#147;It#146;s going to be tough seeing Brouwer out,#148; Bryan Bickell said. #147;He#146;s one of our bigger guys and physical guys. It#146;s tough to see, but he#146;s not going to be out for long.#148;Brouwer, who admitted he has watched replays of the play, couldn#146;t say for sure how long he would be sidelined, but he remained hopeful he could make it back at some point during the playoffs #8212; if the Hawks qualify.Ben Smith was called up from Rockford to replace Brouwer. Gimme $5:Hawks backup goalie Marty Turco#146;s playful wager with a Montreal fan during Tuesday night#146;s game is being looked into by the NHL.There is a photo showing Turco exchanging money with the fan through a seam in the glass, and NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the Associated Press that a formal investigation had not begun but that #147;we are following up to understand the circumstances.#148; As for the Hawks#146; reaction to Turco#146;s infraction?#147;We#146;re handling it internally,#148; Joel Quenneville said with a hint of a grin.Kruger sits:In his seven games with the Hawks, rookie center Marcus Kruger is scoreless with a minus-4 rating.On Wednesday against the Blues, Kruger watched things from the press box.#147;I thought the first couple games he was pretty solid,#148; Marian Hossa said. #147;Everything is faster and stronger (in the NHL). I think he#146;s going to be a quality player, but he needs some time to adjust.#148;