ST. LOUIS -- The availability of Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp is status quo: The veteran left wing is still in a holding pattern.
Sharp, whose wife Abby is due to give birth of the couple's second daughter soon, was awaiting word from the Blackhawks' public-relations staff. But as of early Wednesday afternoon, there was no indication whether Sharp would have to fly back to Chicago or not.
Sharp has indicated that if he had to miss a game, he would. Skipping the game Wednesday against the St. Louis Blues (8 p.m. ET, NBCSN) was a possibility, but Sharp is with the team and skated in the morning.
Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester did not participate in the morning skate but will suit up for the game, according to coach Ken Hitchcock, who said Bouwmeester got "the morning off."