Stars' Sharp discusses former team ahead of Chicago return

Dallas Stars forward Patrick Sharp will play his 800th regular-season game Thursday, and he'll be hitting the milestone on the ice he called home for 10 seasons.

He and defenseman Johnny Oduya will return to the United Center for the first time as visitors since winning the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks last season, and Sharp admits he still follows his old team as much as he can.

"They're fun to watch," Sharp told reporters of the Blackhawks, with whom he won three Stanley Cups and was named an All-Star in 2011. The 34-year-old also had messages for a few of his former teammates.

"I don't know what to say about (winger Andrew Shaw), I'll let him talk as much as he wants because he doesn't seem to stop talking," Sharp said.

Sharp also praised the NHL's scoring leader.

"Definitely proud of (Patrick Kane)," Sharp said. "It's fun to watch, but hopefully he takes tonight off."

Sharp is having a solid debut season with Dallas, recording 16 goals and 24 assists in 54 games, but it's his leadership that's most caught the attention of his head coach.

"He knows how to win and he knows how to act when you lose too," said Lindy Ruff. After missing the playoffs last season, the Stars burst out of the gate with 19 wins in their first 24 games and sit second behind the Blackhawks in the Central.

Dallas will look to narrow the three-point lead Chicago is holding atop the division with a win tonight.