Hawks could be active as trade deadline nears

Four days until Wednesday's trade deadline, and all is quiet with the Blackhawks, who are looking more and more like a team that might be in need of a jolt.

Most of the rumors beginning to heat up don't involve the Hawks, although it's believed general manager Dale Tallon is looking to acquire a depth center and perhaps another defenseman.

The Hawks don't have a lot of money available under the salary cap - about $800,000 as of Friday - unless Tallon decides to move out some players in return for what he wants.

There's a chance the Hawks still would consider dealing goalie Nikolai Khabibulin if the right offer presents itself, although Cristobal Huet's play in the last two games hasn't helped his cause.

According to various reports, Khabibulin might be of interest to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Among the available centers that could be on Tallon's radar are Tampa Bay's Jeff Halpern, Toronto's Dominic Moore and Nik Antropov, Anaheim's Sami Pahlsson, Phoenix's Steven Reinprecht and Colorado's Ian Laperriere.

For what it's worth, Anaheim had three scouts and GM Bob Murray assigned seats in the press box for Friday's game. The Ducks play the Hawks at the United Center on Tuesday and have brought their pro scouts to town to prepare for deadline day.

At least one report named the Hawks as one of the many teams possibly interested in Anaheim defenseman Chris Pronger, who may or may not be on the market. Tallon has said he is not looking to make the kind of major deal it would take to get Pronger.

Getting serious: The Hawks were taking the right approach to the stretch of seven of eight games at home that started Friday.

"We can't take these games for granted," Patrick Kane said. "Especially with so many this month you feel comfortable, but you can't feel too comfortable out there. You just have to go out and play the same way we've been playing on the road. Things like the power play and special teams have to step up."

Skille recalled: Winger Jack Skille was recalled from Rockford on Friday and was in the lineup against the Penguins.

Skille has been at Rockford since appearing in the first six games of the season and had 16 goals and 38 points.

With Skille returning, Craig Adams was a healthy scratch. Skille played on a line with Kris Versteeg and Dustin Byfuglien.

Tip-ins: Sidney Crosby missed just his third game of the season for the Penguins with a sore groin. ... The crowd of 22,689 represented the Hawks' 26th straight sellout this season.