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The Chicago Blackhawks fell to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday.
The Chicago Blackhawks got some encouraging news on Tuesday afternoon: Star winger Patrick Sharp is returning to game action on Tuesday night against the Vancouver Canucks. According to The Chicago Tribune, Sharp will ultimately require surgery for his broken wrist, but has elected to finish out the season first:
"It's a little bit faster (to return) but it's ready to go so I'm going to play," Sharp said after the morning skate. "I'm ready to go. I feel great. I'm excited to play in this building. It's good to be back. I can't wait to get going."
Sharp has played 42 games in the 2011-12 season, scoring 20 goals and earning 20 assists, good for fourth on the Blackhawks with 40 points. Despite having missed nearly 10 games, Sharp currently sports a career-high 0.48 goals per game.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. Visit SB Nation NHL for more news and notes around the league.
The Blackhawks are set to resume play after being off for almost a week. Chicago starts a nine-game road trip Tuesday with the first stop against their rivals from the Northwest the Vancouver Canucks.
The Hawks and Canucks have played twice this season with each team winning one. In their most recent matchup the Hawks won 5-1.
Scheduled to start in goal are Corey Crawford (18-12-4 2.86) for the Blackhawks and for Vancouver is Cory Schneider (10-5-0 2.30).
The Blackhawks are starting to get healthy again after the break. Jonathan Toews is scheduled to return to the lineup against Vancouver,and Patrick Sharp is very close to returning.
Tuesday's game is scheduled to begin at 9:00 CST. The game will be televised on WGN.
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. Visit SB Nation NHL for more news and notes around the league.
Blackhawks Vs. Canucks Final Score: Chicago Falls In Overtime 3-2
Canucks forward Daniel Sedin scored with 1:23 left in overtime to give Vancouver to a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. It was Chicago's third straight defeat.
Ryan Kesler started the scoring in the first period when he beat Chicago goalie Corey Crawford for his 14th goal of the season off an assist from Alexander Edler. Chicago would answer before the period ended. Jamal Mayers scored his fourth goal of the year off assists from Steve Montador and Brent Seabrook.
Neither team scored in the second, but both offenses found their groove in the third. Chicago made it 2-1 when winger Viktor Stalberg scored his 15th goal of the season off feeds from Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Vancoever would tie it three minutes with a goal from Cody Hodgson. Hodgson's 14th goal of the year was assisted by Jannik Hansen and Dan Hamhuis.
Chicago out-shot the Canucks 39-33, but Vancouver goalie Cory Schneider was occasionally spectacular in keeping the Chicago attack at bay. The Canucks held big edges in hits 33-15 and faceoff wins (40-20).
Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the Chicago Blackhawks be sure to visit Second City Hockey. Visit SB Nation NHL for more news and notes around the league.
Feb 01 12:00a by Ricky O'Donnell