Sharp has a storybook return as Hawks snap losing streak.

Sunday afternoon was just what the doctor ordered for the faltering Chicago Blackhawks, as they cruised to a 4-1 win over the Kings in front of a sold out crowd at the United Center. Perhaps the absense of Patrick Sharp was more of a hole than people originally thought, as Sharp picked up right where he left off, tallying 2 goals (including the first of the game) and a very pretty assist. Martin Havlat continued his stellar offensive play, contributing 2 goals, including an empty-netter late in the game to put away the Kings for good. While Sharp's incredible first game back was the main story in this one, perhaps a more unsung hero(es) would be the entire Blackhawk defense, who held the Kings to only 15 shots on goal. The best part about this stat is that the defensive lineup featured 3 players who aren't (or at least, weren't) considered full-time starters, in Niklas Hjalmarsson, Jordan Hendry (called up from Rockford this morning), and Aaron Johnson. It seems as though Joel Quenneville is officially focused on the playoffs, and may be toying with some line-up ideas to see what his best possible team can be in mid-April. At this point, Hjalmarsson seems to have played himself into a permament role with his play, and has been a very nice replacement for the recently traded James Wisniewski. Goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin looked fantastic as well, as his positioning and focus seemed to be on par with his play prior to his February 11th injury. Khabibulin surrendered only one goal late in the 3rd period when the Kings were on the power play.

The win today now puts the Blackhawks in sole possession of 4th place in the West, 2 points ahead of the Vancouver Canucks. It cannot be stressed enough how important 4th place is, as that is the cut-off for home ice advantage in the first round. While it seems likely that the Hawks' first round opponent may be the Canucks or Flames either way, the extra home game could very well be the difference between a quick exit and a first round series win. With the Hawks being the youngest team in the entire NHL (and I'm assuming in professional sports), heading to a very rowdy environment in Canada for the first two games would not be very favorable. This team has barely any playoff experience, and having an excited, loud, and intense United Center crowd behind them during their first taste of the playoffs would be extremely beneficial.


*What's ahead*

The Hawks' upcoming schedule looks very scary, to say the least. The only reason for optimism is that many of the games are at home. The next two games take place Wednesday and Friday at the UC against two teams that many consider to be serious Stanley Cup contenders: the San Jose Sharks and the New Jersey Devils. Many would agree that winning one of these two would be considered a success. After that, it's a game with major postseason implications on Sunday at home against the Canucks, and then off to Canada for a game with Montreal on next Tuesday night. Only one thing is certain in the Hawks' struggle to maintain 4th place: It will not be easy whatsoever.