Patrick Sharp rolled off his linemates talents, and why, combined, theyve been so successful. There was Marcus Krugers tenacity and fearlessness and Viktor Stalbergs speed and burgeoning confidence.
Sharps contribution?
Im just out there to look pretty and shoot the puck, he said to laughs.
Yes, between Sharps shooting and Kruger and Stalbergs work, the Blackhawks second line has been potent lately. And despite not getting on the score sheet much in the teams 4-3 shootout victory over St. Louis on Thursday, theres no doubt it was the Blackhawks best line of the night. Theres chemistry among the three of them, and its paid dividends for the Blackhawks.
Weve got a little bit of everything, Stalberg said. Weve got a shooter in Sharpie. And (Kruger) gets the pucks in our hands with a lot of speed, and thats something you look for in a center.
As much as Sharp could play center if need be, just looking at his numbers reminds you why hes best on the wing. Despite missing eight games with a broken wrist, Sharp has 31 goals, just three shy of last years total and five away from his career-best 36 of 2007-08. Sharp has never been shy about taking his shots, and he had a team-high seven against St. Louis.
The rookie Kruger has emerged as a solid No. 2 center for the Blackhawks. Hes not the biggest guy6-foot, 181 poundsbut Kruger nevertheless plays a crashing, fearless style that compliments the lines speed and shooting.
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Hes been doing it all year for us, Quenneville said. I think whether hes productive offensively, you know that he brings so many other things to the table and to his linemates. He sustains a lot of pucks offensively, he can make some plays, hes sneaky good offensively and very reliable and predictable defensively.
As for Stalberg, his game is starting to come full circle. While the scoring potential has always been thereStalberg has 19 goals entering the final four regular-season gameshis puck possession has improved throughout the season. Quenneville said, I know hes had some good games and Id put that in the list at the top of it, as far as the impact and the influence he had shift to shift.
Stalberg said hes felt more confident as the seasons progressed.
Ive been getting roles to hold onto the puck a little more. Its something I like, something I used to play more in college and in the minors, Stalberg said. I havent had the chance or confidence to do it in this league yet, but the last 20 games I feel like I can do things and try to be a threat every night. Playing with those guys, its a good combination.
It has been a good combination. The three have built good chemistry, good instincts around each other. All in all, its been pretty successful.
That line has, in the last two games, been outstanding, Quenneville said. They have some speed off the rush, a lot of cycle time and a lot of puck possession, and theyre a threat with their quickness off the rush. They all complement one another.