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Chicago’s getting by without Toews

Jonathan Toews

Chicago Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews (19) celebrates after scoring his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks in Chicago, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

AP

The Chicago Blackhawks have now played in 11 straight games without Jonathan Toews and in a testament to their depth, they have managed to hold their own without their captain. Chicago did lose three of their first four contests without Toews, but they have bounced back with a 5-1-1 run. That includes Tuesday’s contest, when Chicago overcame a 3-1 deficit against the Western Conference leading St. Louis Blues en route to a 4-3 shootout victory.

“It didn’t start off well (without him). But the last few games we realized we wanted to put it together and start winning some games for him,” said Patrick Kane. “The last (three) games we’ve been down in the third period, we’ve come back and we’ve found ways to get points. And we’re only going to get better when he comes back.”

Chicago will have a tough time rising above the sixth seed, but they also aren’t likely to slip below it. That might be to the Blackhawks benefit, as the third seed will almost certainly be coming out of a comparatively weak Pacific Division. Going into Wednesday’s contests, the fourth seed Detroit Red Wings had an eight point lead on the third seed Dallas Stars.