There was much fanfare when Patrick Sharp returned to Chicago on a one-year deal in July. Many warned that this wasn’t the Sharp that Chicago fans were accustomed to seeing score goals and show up often on the scoresheet. Others pointed to the fact that Sharp felt better and would mesh well with his old teammates. Though the Hawks have won five in a row, Sharp may find himself watching their chance at a sixth straight win from the press box. Chicago Tribune writer Chris Hine reports that a frustrated Sharp was rotated out of practice lines on Monday. From Hine:
Sharp was not in the line rushes as Richard Panik, who is going through struggles of his own, replaced him on the third line with Vinnie Hinostroza and Ryan Hartman.
“What do you want me to say?” Sharp said. “I could play faster. I could play with more pace. I could use my speed more. I find myself standing around a little bit too much.”
Quenneville could change his mind before Thursday’s game against the Stars, and maybe Monday’s move served as enough of a jolt for Sharp.
Perhaps it’s a wake-up call or a new reality for the veterean. In 33 games, Sharp has 9 points (3-6).
- The Winnipeg Jets can thank great drafting and developing for a successful season so far that could net the team an 100-point season. CBC’s Josh Clipperton writes that general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff knows that a patient ownership team allowed him the time to ensure his team would develop appropriately. Though there were many who grew impatient and wanted the veteran manager to pay with his job, the Jets are on pace to have their best season in franchise history. Patience, then, is truly a virtue for a franchise that has only been to the playoffs once since relocating from Atlanta and rebooting the latest incarnation of the Winnipeg Jets. With a young talented core, it appears that the Jets patience not only paid off, but will provide more for their fans in the years to come.