Hawks Toews frustrated by scoreless streak

For Jonathan Toews, going nine games without a goal is getting old.

Real old.

Despite playing on a potent scoring line and having plenty of opportunities (tied for the team lead with 30 shots), the Hawks' captain just hasn't been able to put the biscuit in the basket.

"It's tough to go home and not think about that; get depressed about it," Toews said following a crisp practice Wednesday. "When we lose games 3-2 on the road in Minnesota where a big goal could make the difference ... in a game like that, if we do force it to overtime, I think we're going to get better and squeeze a couple of wins out like that.

"I don't mind when we're at home and we play a great team game and we win in front of our home crowd and I don't score. That doesn't really matter. But when I feel like that extra goal or that little push that could be a difference in a loss, that's the most frustrating thing.

"But I guess I have to stay positive."

Those around him sure are, including Patrick Sharp, who leads the Hawks with 6 goals.

"I don't have to say much to Jonathan about scoring goals; he knows how to do it, he's scored his whole life," Sharp said. "A lot of people make a big deal about his zero goals, but he's going to end up with his goals this year, we know that.

"No one here (in the dressing room) is worried about Johnny scoring goals."

Nor is head coach Joel Quenneville.

"I think when guys that are accustomed to scoring goals and are natural goal scorers, they start to press," Quenneville said. "In Johnny's case, we want him to relax and play his game.

"Just be yourself out there, relax, and it will come, and once you get one you'll get a bunch."

Following a brilliant rookie season where he finished with 24 goals and 54 points in 64 games, Toews (5 assists) is resigned to being patient. He won't have to wait too long - his next chance to get off the schneid comes tonight when the Hawks host Dallas.

"This has never happened to me before," Toews said. "I just have to keep believing that once I do score, I'll start piling them in there and make up for lost time."