"While news has been minimal regarding center Dave Bolland and his concussion, coach Joel Quenneville hasn't hesitated to deliver positive updates on injured forward Patrick Sharp.

It continued Tuesday in Boston. Sharp's knee injury has improved to the point where he could start skating soon for the Blackhawks.

"I'm going to say soon, but how soon we'll know when we get back [from the two-game road trip]," Quenneville said. "I don't think he'll be on the ice for the next couple days, but we can see him in not too long."

Sharp missed his fourth game in row since injuring his left knee March 20 against the Phoenix Coyotes when he had a knee-on-knee collision with Rostislav Klesla.

Quenneville wouldn't put a date on Sharp's possible return, but he didn't rule out the April 8 matchup against the Red Wings in Detroit.

"We'd love to have that situation occur," Quenneville said. "Whether it's going to happen or not is a question mark. That's something we're hopeful for. Optimistically, it would be a nice target date, but it's too early to tell."