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Sharp, Blackhawks look to keep rolling vs. Predators

Dec 26, 2007 - 2:16 PM Nashville (16-16-2) at Chicago (18-15-2) 8:30 pm EST

CHICAGO (Ticker) - The Chicago Blackhawks may be getting a lot of attention for their two standout rookies, but Patrick Sharp has also been a major reason for the club's success this season.

Sharp will attempt to lead the Blackhawks to their fourth consecutive victory when they host the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night in a Central Division matchup.

The fourth-year veteran, who has just as many shorthanded goals as any other team, has four goals and an assist over Chicago's current win streak.

The 25-year-old Sharp has 29 points, including a team-leading 17 goals and an NHL-best six shorthanded tallies. He has provided an excellent complement to rookies Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, who have combined for 21 goals and 61 points.

The Predators stormed into the Christmas break with back-to-back wins after losing five straight contests.

Goaltender Chris Mason returned after a three-game hiatus to make 30 saves in a 3-1 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mason's playing time has been diminishing with the emergence of rookie Dan Ellis.

The 27-year-old Ellis, whose only experience prior to this season was a one-game stint with the Dallas Stars in 2003-04, is 7-4-0 with a 2.45 goals-against average and two shutouts.