Emery in goal, Sharp returns for Hawks against Wild

Tuesday, 04.09.2013 / 1:54 PM

By Dan Myers - NHL.com Correspondent / 2012-2013 At the Rink blog

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ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Ray Emery will get his third consecutive start in goal when they face the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday at Xcel Energy Center (8 p.m. ET, NBCSN, TSN2).

Emery is coming off back-to-back wins against the Nashville Predators on Saturday and Sunday, and is 14-1-0 in 18 games this season.

"Based on how he's playing, it gives him the chance to get some consecutive games, as well. We'll see how he handles it," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said.

Also back in the lineup is left wing Patrick Sharp. Sharp has missed more than a month (14 games) with a shoulder injury sustained against the Colorado Avalanche on March 6.

Quenneville said he expected Sharp to provide an immediate spark to the Blackhawks' 21st-ranked power play, perhaps the one weak spot on a team with the most points in the League.

"It's good to get him back," Quenneville said.

For Minnesota, right wing Jason Pominville -- acquired at the trade deadline -- will make his home debut. He had a goal and an assist, his first points in a Wild sweater, Sunday in a 3-0 win at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

That victory snapped a three-game skid for Minnesota, so coach Mike Yeo said he will stick with that same lineup, a look that keeps veteran defenseman Tom Gilbert off the ice for the second consecutive game.

Here's a look at how the Blackhawks and Wild could line up Tuesday:

BLACKHAWKS

Brandon Saad - Jonathan Toews - Marian Hossa

Patrick Sharp - Marcus Kruger - Patrick Kane

Bryan Bickell - Andrew Shaw - Viktor Stalberg

Brandon Bollig - Michal Handzus - Michael Frolik

Duncan Keith - Niklas Hjalmarsson

Nick Leddy - Brent Seabrook

Johnny Oduya - Michal Rozsival

Ray Emery

Corey Crawford

Scratched: Jamal Mayers, Sheldon Brookbank, Daniel Carcillo