It’s Ray Emery’s net again

For now, it’s Ray Emery’s net.

The Blackhawks’ backup goalie will get his second straight start and third in the last four games on Sunday night against San Jose at the United Center.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville is sticking with the hot hand in Emery, who has won his last two starts and is 5-1-1 for the season.

“He hasn’t had a chance to go, and right now we’ll see where we’re going,” Quenneville said. “He seems to be aggressive and excited when the games are on the line. He’s been solid, finds pucks, his concentration level is in the right place, he moves well, seems big. He looks comfortable and confident in the net.”

Emery isn’t getting swept up in any talk of a goalie controversy. He knows he is only keeping the net warm for struggling No. 1 goalie Corey Crawford.

“It might be an opportunity to give Crow a little bit of a rest,” Emery said. “You don’t necessarily want your guy playing 65-70 games during the year. So if Crow is more fresh when playoff time comes around, I think it’s better for the team.

“Maybe that’s what my contribution can be to a successful playoff team, is having a fresh guy who has had some rest throughout the year.”

This will be the first time Emery has started consecutive games for the Hawks.

“It’s nice to play somewhat consistently and I think you get some confidence from playing more frequently, but I just want to be ready when I get the chance,” Emery said.

Crawford continues to work on his game in practice with goalie coach Stephane Waite.

“I’m just practicing hard,” Crawford said. “That’s all you can do is stay focused and work hard. I’ll just be hungry the next time I get in net.”

Sharp’s a dad:Patrick Sharp has gone from being one of Chicago#146;s most eligible bachelors to married man and now a father.Sharp#146;s first child, Madelyn Grace, was born Friday afternoon. Sharp#146;s wife, Abby, went into labor Thursday night during the Hawks#146; 3-2 win over the Islanders in New York during which Patrick scored 2 goals, including the winner in overtime.#147;I called my wife after the game and was expecting to hear congratulations or nice goal or good game or something, and the first thing she said was I think I#146;m having the baby tonight,#148; Sharp said. #147;I forgot about hockey pretty quick.#148;Sharp made it home in plenty of time for the Friday afternoon birth.#147;I thought I#146;d be a wreck and nervous and stressed out about everything, but everyone was great,#148; Sharp said. #147;When I saw the baby for the first time it was an unbelievable feeling.#148;Sharp was back at practice on Saturday smiling ear to ear.#147;I kind of got kicked out and sent back to work,#148; he said.Not so fast:Now that Patrick Sharp is a father, Jonathan Toews was asked if it has him thinking about parenthood.#147;I#146;d like to think I#146;m a long ways away from being married,#148; the 23-year-old Toews said with a laugh. #147;I#146;m not thinking about having any children yet. I#146;ll leave that to Sharpie.#148;Sharp is only the third player on the team with children, joining new dad Marian Hossa and Jamal Mayers.