"The Blackhawks got a victory they desperately needed but also were dealt a blow they might not be able to afford.

All-Star winger Patrick Sharp was helped to the locker room with 1:35 left in the first period of the Hawks' 2-1 victory Sunday against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena. Sharp, who collided with Coyotes defenseman Rostislav Klesla, was favoring his left knee as he left the ice and didn't return.

''It's just the story of the year, it seems like,'' Hawks captain Jonathan Toews said. ''We've had a lot of guys go down with injuries like that, and as frustrating as it is for those individuals, they always battle back and bring a lot back to our lineup when they're ready to play again.''

The Hawks declined to elaborate about the extent of the injury or how long Sharp might be out but said he would be re-evaluated today.

''I'm sure Sharpie's frustrated, and he's going to hurry back as quick as he can,'' Toews said. ''We want him to make a full recovery, [but] for the time being we're going to have to step it up and find a way.''

Coach Joel Quenneville installed Troy Brouwer in place of Sharp alongside Toews and Patrick Kane on the top line, and the Hawks were forced to juggle lines for an extended period for the second consecutive game.

The Hawks have been without defenseman Brian Campbell (left leg) and center Dave Bolland (concussion) for the last four games and played without wingers Kane, Marian Hossa and Fernando Pisani for stretches this season."