The Blackhawks season has just begun, but one thing is already very clear — Jonathan Toews is back. Toews is off to a red-hot start as he has scored 4 goals in just 2 games. He also has 4 of the Blackhawks’ 9 goals this season.
JONATHAN TOEWS WINS IT ON THE BREAKAWAY GOAL IN OT!!!!!!🏒🥅🚨🚨🚨
That’s a hat trick for the captain and 4 goals in 2 games! It’s nice to see Toews back in 2008-2015 form. 🔥 #Blackhawks #CHIvsSTL pic.twitter.com/NOjcsuSAFw
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 7, 2018
Prime Jonathan Toews Is Back
After what many people have considered 2 consecutive “down” years, it looks like the 2008-2015 version of Jonathan Toews is back. It could not have come at a better time too. The Blackhawks were swept in the 1st round of the playoffs in 2017 and missed the playoffs entirely last season, for the first time since 2008. They desperately needed a strong start this season and that is exactly what they got.
Toews looks hungry and motivated out there on the ice. A long offseason will surely do that to you. He has the team off to a great start, as they have won the first 2 games of the 2018-19 season. Both games also went into overtime. In Game 1, he had an assist on the Patrick Kane GWG in OT.
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 5, 2018
In Game 2, Toews took a breakaway to the house and scored the GWG which also resulted in him getting his first hat trick of the season.
Here’s the breakaway GWG in OT by Jonathan Toews. Toews also had a hat trick, 4 goals in 2 games, and 4 of the #Blackhawks 9 goals this season 🔥🔥🔥 #THATSMYCAPTAIN #CHIvsSTL pic.twitter.com/vXgNRxcvBS
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) October 7, 2018
This hat trick was Toews’ first since February 21, 2017, and he now has 6 for his career.
Player Team Date Opp G Score Jonathan Toews CHI 2017-02-21 MIN 3 5-3 Jonathan Toews CHI 2013-10-29 OTT 3 6-5 Jonathan Toews CHI 2010-11-17 EDM 3 5-0 Jonathan Toews CHI 2010-05-07 VAN 3 7-4 Jonathan Toews CHI 2009-02-27 PIT 3 4-5
Provided by Hockey-Reference.com: View Original Table
What Is The Reason Behind Jonathan Toews’ Resurgence?
Jonathan Toews’ recent return to top form can be partially attributed to his new linemates this season. Coach Q currently has Toews playing alongside 2 young studs, Alex DeBrincat, and Dominik Kahun, who came over from Germany this offseason. Alex DeBrincat brings offensive firepower to the top line, along with elite skating and playmaking abilities. DeBrincat and Toews’ chemistry is on full display here in a preseason game against the Ottawa Senators.
DeBrincat is on a totally different level with this RIDICULOUS pass to set Toews up with basically a tip-in goal. 👀🔥🔥🔥 #Blackhawks #CHIvsOTT pic.twitter.com/q1nXdnglo3
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) September 28, 2018
Toews’ other linemate, Dominik Kahun, is also no slouch. Kahun is a playmaker who never gives up on a play. He’s always looking to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. If you’re looking for an example of the type of player Kahun is, then this is the video for you. His innate ability to constantly create scoring chances is obvious here.
Locker setup person, I better be seeing a nice spitshine on Dominik Kahun’s nameplate! Kahun earned his roster spot and then some tonight. #Blackhawks #CHIvsOTT
Kahun➡️Hayden 🏒🥅🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/XM0lh0lbaz
— ✶ ✶Tony Gianares✶ ✶ (@Certified_TonyG) September 22, 2018
I have also been seeing Toews get back to creating havoc in front of the net and around it. You always hear, “If you want to score goals, you have to get to the front of the net and to the ‘dirty’ areas.” Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. Getting back to the basics is key, especially when you are struggling in any aspect. This is exactly what Toews has been doing this season. He is getting back to what he does best and his success is trickling down to the rest of the team.
In addition, I think the biggest reason why Jonathan Toews is having a ton of success this season is because the haters were all over him for having slightly less productive seasons the past 2 seasons. Then, some even went as far as saying they wanted StanBo to trade him. Some of these naysayers include the people in charge of making the various “Top Players In The NHL” lists. I am sure Toews read every single one and made a mental note.
It is pretty obvious that the haters and naysayers are Toews’ biggest source of motivation right now. I personally would like to thank each and every one of you for lighting a fire under our captain.
Let’s see if Toews can keep this momentum going through the remaining 80 games, because this team will not go far if they don’t get a good year of production from him. The Blackhawks’ next game is their home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday, October 7th and the game starts at 6 PM.
For more Blackhawks news and updates, follow the author @Certified_TonyG on Twitter.
