ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (4:04 PM)

Patrick will be here soon, everyone!

Patrick Sharp

  (4:19 PM)

Hey, how's it going? Let's get started.

Ken Novi, Michigan

Hey Patrick, Congrats on another strong season for you ans your team. What was the key to finding your pro game when you joined Chicago that you just could not find in Philadelphia? best of luck tomorrow.

Patrick Sharp

  (4:20 PM)

I was given an opportunity and play in different situations. When you do that, it seems like you can get confidence in yourself and just improve.

Steve Jankowski, Elmwood Park, IL

What was your first impression of the ice surface at Wrigley during practice today?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:20 PM)

I was actually very impressed. I thought conditions were very poor, but the league did a good job of putting everything together. The weather will be the main issue, but the league has done their job.

Andrew (St. Clair, Michigan)

Coming from one of the best players in the league, playing on one of the toughest teams in the league. In your opinion who has been the toughest team to play this season?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:21 PM)

Probably the Red Wings. They're the defending Stanley Cup champions for a reason. They are our number one rivals and always give us a tough game.

Wiley J.

What are the challenges that come with playing an outdoor game? Are there any advantages over playing indoors?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:22 PM)

I don't think there are any advantages. The weather is obviously a factor. The sun was bright today in practice, so that was an issue, but you just have to get your equipment warmed up and make it as normal as possible.

Adam (Chicago)

How crazy is the change in atmosphere of the UC this year to say 2 years ago?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:22 PM)

It's been really different. We're leading the league in attendance. Our fans have been great, and our record shows that at home.

Kurt Marquardt, Lockport, IL

Patrick how is Kane's knee after last nights game? Is he good to go for the game tomorrow? Can't wait to hit my seat tomorrow and watch you guys play!

Patrick Sharp

  (4:23 PM)

Yeah, his knee is 100 percent. I'll keep it quiet on what is hurting, but he is a tough kid and can play through injuries.

Emily (Downtown Chicago)

Sharpie, did the recent nine-game streak lead to any strange superstitious activities--among the guys? I know you're too smart for such antics, but some of those boys...

Patrick Sharp

  (4:24 PM)

We do have the same playlist on our iPod that we've been going through for a few games. But we like to believe in ourselves rather than superstitions, for the most part.

Jonathan: Chicago, IL

What are your thoughts about getting snubbed and not being on the All Star ballot?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:26 PM)

I was disappointed. I'm not gonna lie about that. The players were nominated are worthy and great players. I'm just gonna try to show people that I should have been nominated and I should be there.

Wishbone

When was the last time you played hockey outdoors?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:26 PM)

I've never played outdoors competitively, other than with my friends growing up. This feels like an exhibition, but I'm sure as soon as the game starts, the intensity will kick up.

montreal

Whats up,just wondering what your plans are for new years?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:27 PM)

Pretty low-key. I'm gonna have dinner with my family that's in town from Thunder Bay, then to bed early for the afternoon game. Maybe I'll have some fun with the team after the game tomorrow.

Andrew (NYC)

Sharpie - I know you have the rep as the team prankster. What's the best prank you pulled off on a teammate and who did you do this on?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:28 PM)

Probably something to do with Kane and Toews. Last year I gave them a hard time--hiding the key to their rooms, doing damage to the inside of their hotel rooms. I had a good laugh with that one.

Joe (Los Angeles)

I know they are both your teammates, but who would you least like to have to try to score on, Khabibulin or Huet?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:29 PM)

To me, they're both All-Star goaltenders. If I had to take a shot at someone, I'd probably say Khabibulin. I've been shooting on him for a couple years and have some success in practice. But he says he's just warming up for the games.

brian, new jersey

first off thank you for putting up points and keeping my fantasy team in first place, but how exciting is it to play with the young talent the hawks have?

Patrick Sharp

  (4:30 PM)

It's awesome. Chicago is a great place to be right now--from the fans, to the way the organization treats us, to the young players--we're all young and enjoying being in the NHL.

Loup (NY)

To what do you attribute this season's turnaround compared to last season? It is pretty amazing to go from missing to playoffs to one of the top 5 teams in the league.

Patrick Sharp

  (4:31 PM)

That's a credit to the organization. Our owner and team president did great jobs of bringing the fans back and building a winning team.

Patrick Sharp

  (4:31 PM)

Thanks for all the questions, look forward to talking with you soon!