The Chicago Blackhawks must be thankful that February is over.
They lost star player Patrick Kane, finished the month with a losing record, and are just 4-3-3 in their last 10 games.
There were also rumors that the locker room was an unhappy one and that it had something to do with winger Patrick Sharp and a fight.
Speculation even arose that Sharp could be traded. But those reports were squashed by Sharp's agent, who said his client wasn't going anywhere and that the fight rumors were news to head coach Joel Quenneville.
Sharp was upset about the whole situation and spoke his mind about the subject Sunday:
Patrick Sharp: "As a hockey player, as a professional, you’re out there, and you’re up for grabs for on-ice play. I’m OK with that."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 1, 2015
Sharp: "When people delve into your personal life and make up rumors & things that are completely false and untrue, it takes a toll on you."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 1, 2015
The veteran even mentioned to Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune that he was looking into getting a lawyer to combat the rumors that are spreading about him, which have left a sour taste in the mouth of the 33-year-old veteran.
Patrick Sharp: "It’s like anybody can type something on a computer and get away with it and not be held responsible or accountable."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 1, 2015
Patrick Sharp: "When it affects your family, when you’ve got two little girls at home, and your parents are calling you, it takes a toll."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) March 1, 2015
The rumors - along with the injury to Kane and the looming NHL trade deadline - have created quite a buzz around the Blackhawks of late.
If the Sharp situation remain unresolved or becomes bigger than it already is, it could be a major distraction that affects Chicago's focus as the team inches closer to the playoffs.
