Patrick Sharp cleared to play in Chicago Blackhawks game against Vancouver Canucks -NHL Update
In a surprising development, Chicago Blackhawks veteran superstar centre, Patrick Sharp, was cleared to play, alongside returning captain Jonathan Toews, in their Tuesday night, January 31, 2012, matchup against Vancouver Canucks.
Only a day earlier on Monday, only Jonathan Toews had been informed about being part of the game as his wrist injury was not as serious as that of Sharp, which might be requiring surgery but can wait till after the 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL)
regular season comes to an end.
Sharp was absent for the past eight games, but is now ready to go.
“In my mind I'm ready to go,” said Sharp before the game. “I think it helps a little bit with the rivalry that we have with these guys,” he said. “I love playing in this building, I love playing against these guys. It's always a tough test. I'm excited to
be back in.”
The 30-year-old had a chance on Monday to see where he stood at by participating in his first practice session with the team since his left wrist was slashed earlier in January while making his 20th goal of the season.
"Monday was the first time I touched the puck since scoring that 20th goal so it was three weeks off almost to the day," Sharp said. "I think (Tuesday) I was a little bit better, and I plan on being better as we go along here."
It was only a little before the game was scheduled to begin in Vancouver that the Chicago Blackhawks announced a little change in the roster by activating both Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp, putting the Canucks on the edge as two big names returned on
the ice.
Chicago at the moment sits sixth in the Western Conference with a comfortable 64 points, six more than the Los Angeles Kings, who are currently at number seven.
Having both players playing for the team is crucial for the Blackhawks as they plan on getting deep into the playoffs this time around after a disappointing first round loss back in 2011 against the very same, Vancouver Canucks.
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