Monday, Dec. 27, 2010
3:02 PM
By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com
Patrick Sharps slap shot found the back of the Columbus net six seconds after the Chicago Blackhawks went on their power play on Sunday night. Once again it was timely. Once again, it proved to be the game-winner.
And once again, Sharp isnt going to get too giddy about any of the numbers hes putting up right now.
Its nice to score, especially in a win, but count the numbers at the end of the season, Sharp told the media after tallying his 19th and 20th goals this season on Sunday. If you sit back and start worrying about how many goals you have or how many points you have, thats when the pucks not going to go in for you.
Its understandable if Sharp doesnt want to put the kibosh on his productivity. Still, its hard not to trudge out the impressive numbers:
His 20 goals are third-best in the NHL.
NHL
His seven power-play goals are good for fifth in the league.
His 36 points are 14th-best.
He now has five game-winning goals this season and hasnt gone more than two games without recording a point.
Not bad for a guy whos not on the All-Star ballot, on which his name should be written.
Im surprised hes not on the All-Star ballot. Hes having a really good season, said Marian Hossa, who was on a line centered by Sharp on Monday morning. Hes a shooter and hes quick and thats his advantage. Hes so quick and hes using it and its paying off.
Sharps currently on a torrid pace, but hes put up decent numbers for a few seasons now. His two goals on Sunday guaranteed him his fifth consecutive season scoring 20 goals or more.
So the question is, in a leagueand even on a Blackhawks teamfull of superstars, does Sharp get overlooked in the league?
Hes not overlooked in this room but definitely in the NHL. He had 36 goals a few years ago and now hes proven almost a point-a-game guy, Patrick Kane said. I dont want to pump his tires because we battle a little bit like big brother and little brother. But hes fun to watch out there.
Sharp may not have generated much national attention earlier this season when the ballot was drawn up, but he should be getting it now. Regardless of where he falls among the leagues best, however, the Blackhawks are reaping the benefits of his productivity.
We certainly appreciate what he does for us, coach Joel Quenneville said. He consistently produces and plays in every situation. His consistent play has been in the right areas. Hes been one of those guys when you look over the course of a year, he continues to do the same thing game in and game out. Its been appreciated and noticed.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.