Toews working through another slow start

While Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp might be lighting the lamp with a combined 13 goals in the Blackhawks' first seven games, Jonathan Toews is off to a slow start.

Toews has been a slow starter in terms of goals in each of his first four seasons with the Hawks with 7 goals in 36 career games in October.

Toews has 1 goal and 3 assists in seven games this October with just 13 shots on goal.

“I don't have an answer, Toews said Tuesday. “It doesn't matter because we're winning. I'll just keep working at it and maybe get a lucky one to get going.

Nobody should be worried about Toews. He hasn't scored fewer than 24 goals in his first three seasons, with a high of 34 in 2008-09.

Happy birthday:

It was former general manager Dale Tallon's 60th birthday Tuesday and he got a special present courtesy of Hawks president John McDonough.

McDonough traveled to South Florida to hand deliver Tallon his Stanley Cup ring.

“Great present from the Blackhawks, Tallon told the Florida Panthers' website. “It was very classy of them to do that and I'm really proud of it and I didn't expect anything less from them. It's fantastic to know that I was a big part of them winning the Stanley Cup.

Tallon, now the Panthers' GM, said it was one of his best birthday presents.

“It was a pretty special moment, he said. “It's pretty sensational. I'm pretty proud of it and it's been a great day. I'm excited to have had the opportunity and to have this as a strong piece of history.

Later start:

As a reminder, Wednesday night's game with the Canucks at the United Center begins a half-hour later at 8 p.m.