It’s been hard enough for the Chicago Blackhawks to just earn enough points to stay in the playoff race in the Western Conference. But after Sunday night’s 2-1 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes, it became clear that things weren’t going to get any easier.
Despite the win, the Blackhawks also managed to lose big when foward Patrick Sharp went down with a knee injury late in the first period. Sharp was cutting to the Coyotes net when he collided with Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Rostislav Klesla. Sharp, who is fifth in the NHL with 34 goals, left the game and did not return.
The Hawks may still have their other big guns in Jonathan Towes, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, but Sharp has really the guy who had been carrying the offense this season. He was also invaluable during the Blackhawks’ run to the Stanley Cup in 2010, producing 11 goals and 11 assists in 22 games.
The severity of his injury is still unknown, but if he’s done for the season, so too are the Hawks.
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