Chicago Blackhawks' Toews sets a high standard
Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct a question Jonathan Toews was asked about the Blackhawks' performance this season.
Statistically speaking, this hasn't exactly been a career year for Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews.
And he knows it.
Asked if he's happy with the season he has had before the Hawks' 6-2 victory over Arizona on Tuesday, Toews didn't mince words or try to talk around the subject.
"Obviously not," Toews said. "It was at times frustrating."
Casual fans who simply pull up Toews' stats might wonder what he's talking about. After all, Toews has 27 goals, a number that is right on par with any of his other eight NHL seasons.
The difference is how those goals have been scored.
Only 11 came during 5-on-5 play, according to waronice.com. That's 41 percent of his total, the first time in his career that number has been under 50 percent. Before this season, 63 percent of Toews' goals came in 5-on-5 play.
"I don't care who you are when you're scoring goals and things are going your way, it's easier to play," Toews said. "It's easier to motivate yourself, especially when it's a long season.
"I've obviously got to assess my game and evaluate what makes me a good player and try and look at ways I can improve and be more consistent … over 82 games."
This year Toews' goal total has been achieved thanks in part to 3 empty netters and 5 during overtime, which the NHL played 3-on-3 for the first time. Of course, there's something to be said for that latter stat; when the game is on the line, few step up and answer the call better than Jonathan Toews.
Toews went through four stretches this season where he didn't score a goal for seven or eight games. His most recent slump came in the 11 games before the Hawks beat Boston on Sunday. During those contests, Toews had 1 goal and took just 13 shots on goal.
Placing all the blame on Toews' shoulders for a subpar offensive season is hardly fair when one considers the revolving door at left wing on the Hawks' top line. Another factor is Marian Hossa's waning offensive skills.
"Johnny's line this year got off to an ordinary start and got behind as far as the production goes," coach Joel Quenneville said. "And they had some stretches that got us going on that roll there in the middle of the year.
"So, I mean, every year is different. You know, Johnny brings a lot more to the game than numbers."
No doubt about that.
Toews is a perennial Selke Trophy (best defensive forward) candidate, a force on the power play, a model citizen and has an innate sense of what and when to say things in the locker room.
Despite getting into a couple of fights and almost going at it with the Ducks' Ryan Kesler on Nov. 27 and the Bruins' Zdeno Chara on Sunday, Patrick Kane said he hasn't noticed a difference in Toews' demeanor.
"He's had a great attitude all year," Kane said. "He's been a big player for us no matter what his stats are."
Now, of course, the best time of year is at hand and the motivation to finish strong and defend the Hawks' title is first and foremost on Toews' mind.
"The best news is I have a great chance at playing my best hockey of this year," said Toews, who has scored in back-to-back games. "That's always my focus is trying to trend upward as the playoffs come around. That's what I'm looking forward to, so I'm excited for that opportunity and I think everyone in this room probably thinks the same way.
"Even a guy like Kaner, who had a tremendous season, still wants to play better hockey come playoff time. So that's the way I'm going to look at it on an individual level, try and build my confidence the way I need to right now."
• Follow John on Twitter @johndietzdh
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For the first time in Jonathan Toews' nine-year NHL career, less than 50 percent of his goals have come in 5-on-5 play.
Total 5-on-5 Pct. of goals Season goals goals 5-on-5
2007-08 24 16 67
2008-09 34 19 56
2009-10 25 14 56
2010-11 32 20 63
2011-12 29 19 66
2012-13 23 19 83
2013-14 28 18 64
2014-15 28 16 57
2015-16 27 11 41
Source: waronice.com