The Chicago Blackhawks will be without their captain, Jonathan Toews, this afternoon in Anaheim. Toews will sit out against the Ducks due to the upper-body injury he suffered Wednesday in San Jose.
How will the ‘Hawks manage without their top center?
Well, Toews’ spot on the first line is expected to be filled by Vince Hinostroza, who will skate between Ryan Hartman and Marian Hossa.
But the real top line today will be Artemi Panarin, Artem Anisimov, and Patrick Kane. Those three may really have to carry the offense now.
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Toews has four goals and eight assists in 21 games this season. But, of course, he’s so much more than his point totals.
“Johnny’s importance to our team is immense,” head coach Joel Quenneville said, per the Chicago Sun-Times. “In all situations, the minutes he absorbs and the assignments he gets against him — they’re all important minutes when he’s out on the ice. There’s a lot of ice time and a lot of quality ice time [to fill] if there’s not Johnny Toews in your lineup.”
The Blackhawks also play tomorrow evening against the Kings. No word if Toews will be available by then.
As for tomorrow's game, Q said, "We'll see."
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) November 25, 2016