NHL: The Chicago Blackhawks Can Control Their Fate Despite Lineup Shuffle

The Chicago Blackhawks may have Patrick Sharp in uniform for the back-to-back with Detroit that closes the regular season. Unfortunately, they still need a left wing on the first line in the four games before Sharp's possible return.

The Hawks are cautiously optimistic that Sharp could start skating in a few days and might be able to return for the final two games with the Red Wings. Whether or not his return will make a difference depends on the next few games.

Chicago is tucked into the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, three points ahead of Dallas and three behind Anaheim. As has been the case through much of the last few weeks, the Blackhawks could find themselves in or out of the playoffs with a streak in one direction or the other.

The spacing has widened a little, yes. To gain more breathing room and move up a spot or two, the Hawks need to find a replacement for Sharp for a few more games.

Viktor Stalberg and Troy Brouwer were given quick looks. Neither was able to get in sync with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Maybe one would eventually settle in if we were back in February, but coach Joel Quenneville is pressed for time and needs instant chemistry.

Enter Bryan Bickell, who played on the first line late last season and in the 2010 playoffs.  Quenneville wants someone to use their size in that spot. Bickell, who has filled that role before but has played a finesse game at times this season, is the next man to try out for the job for however long Sharp is out.

Whether it is Stalberg, Brouwer or Bickell, someone has to help Toews in the corners and get to the front of the net on a regular basis.

Monday's meeting with the Red Wings produced a fast-paced, highly watchable game. It's easy to get caught up in what should be an exciting back-to-back to finish the regular season. It also might be fun to imagine the Blackhawks facing off with Detroit in a first-round series.

Stop it right there, 'Hawks fans.

To face off with Detroit, or anyone for that matter, there is the small formality of reaching the playoffs. The Blackhawks have a measure of control on their playoff destiny. However, their fate isn't sealed and likely won't be until the final minutes of the final game.

The 'Hawks could still move up a few spots or let the Stars overtake them. Looking ahead to Detroit would be ill-advised to a team that has left points on the ice all season long.

How fitting that the team hosting Chicago tonight is a squad that has caught the Blackhawks napping on two occasions this season. They also went into overtime with Washington last night, so the 'Hawks should have no cause to cry fatigue.

Coming out of Columbus with two points, in regulation or otherwise, is crucial. It's also just the beginning as we begin the key April schedule.

Tampa visits the United Center Sunday night. Chicago then visits Montreal, who have currently lost four of their last five games and have had problems generating offense recently.

The Blues spanking of Detroit is evidence that every opponent could contribute toward knocking the Blackhawks out of the playoffs. Chicago doesn't have the luxury of writing a loss to St. Louis off as a trap game.

Detroit is ensconced in the second position, but don't count on the Red Wings to ease up on the Hawks next weekend. If they are in a position where they have to sweep both nationally televised games to extend the season, they're in big trouble.

The first line is not the only place shuffling is going on, as Stalberg skated with Ryan Johnson and Michael Frolik on the third line, with Brouwer, Jake Dowell and Fernando Pisani making up line four. Finding the right mix has not been easy for the Blackhawks, and time is quickly running out.

Next weekend's back-to-back with Detroit could be a great weekend of hockey. Let's hope the games are between two playoff teams.

Detroit will be there. The rest is up to the Blackhawks.