Hawks, Hossa ready for showdown with Sharks

"It's been four months and I can't wait to step on the ice," said Hossa, who had offseason shoulder surgery. "This is going to be a great game. Two great teams going against each other. It's a great test for our team. We've been playing well lately and we just have to continue that way." 

The Hawks had a crisp morning skate and afterward didn't shy away from the fact tonight's game had a little more meaning than a normal game at this point in the season.

"Anytime two top teams are going at it, it's a pretty big game," defenseman Brian Campbell said. "Those are the games you want to play during the regular season and look forward to."

Hossa will have no limitations and is slated to start on a line with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. The 40-goal scorer for the Red Wings last year will also see plenty of time on the power play.

Cristobal Huet will get the start in goal. He's riding a personal six-game winning streak.

"It's a big game," coach Joel Quenneville said. "There's a lot at stake. It's a good test for us. They're really good in this building and we have some momentum. It's a chance to close the gap on them. There's a lot of incentive on both sides. They're playing well and we want to sustain the momentum we have on this trip so it's setting up for a great game."

The New York Times' Slap Shot blog calls it "the Game of the Year So Far," but more importantly points out this amusing Blackhawks-Sharks clip from the '90s.