Feb. 24--The Blackhawks' defensive depth -- or lack of it -- is in for a test as Johnny Oduya will be sidelined for a significant period of time.
Oduya suffered an upper-body injury during the first period of the Hawks' 6-2 loss to the Bruins on Sunday and coach Joel Quenneville said Monday that the veteran will be out "likely around a couple of weeks."
During Oduya's absence, Tim Erixon and David Rundblad figure to see more time in the short term and Trevor van Riemsdyk is nearing a return from a knee injury.
"We've still got seven 'D' here so we'll sort it out," Quenneville said after practice Monday. "Some guys might get a little more opportunity. We don't want to work the top guys extra over this period. Everybody will probably get a little more across the board."
During Monday's practice, van Riemsdyk was a full participant and Quenneville said the rookie is "real close."
Van Riemsdyk hasn't played since suffering a left patella fracture Nov. 16 against the Stars.
Net change: Scott Darling will get the start in goal when the Hawks conclude their eight-game homestand against the Panthers on Tuesday night. Quenneville said he "absolutely" still has confidence in No. 1 goalie Corey Crawford, who was yanked during Sunday's loss, the Hawks' third straight.
"(Crawford) has played seven straight home games and it gives (Darling) a chance," Quenneville said. "We were talking about the opportunity. (Crawford's) last couple were ordinary, but that's where it's at."
Darling was recalled from Rockford on Sunday, the same day he signed a two-year contract extension.
"The whole year has just been super-exciting for me," said Darling, a Lemont native. "I was thrilled to play for Rockford and I'm obviously thrilled to play for the Blackhawks. To know I'm going to be around two more years is great news."
Sharp's shot: Patrick Sharp skated on the second line along with fellow winger Patrick Kane and center Brad Richards during practice. The move from the fourth line to the second could provide a boost for Sharp, who has 10 goals and 21 assists in 46 games.
"I feel like I've played with a lot of different guys this year and sometimes it's worked, sometimes it hasn't," Sharp said. "But I'm not too concerned right now with who I'm playing with when I go out there, I'm just concerned with myself (and) getting back to playing as well as I can."
The veteran has three even-strength scores this season and with the Hawks' recent struggles, Sharp has been feeling the pressure of not producing at a high level.
"It makes it even more difficult when personally I feel that I could be a lot better of a player and it kills you when the team loses and you're a reason for that," he said. "You carry that around on your shoulders every day. For me personally, I'm working as hard as I can to get out of it."
