Skip navigation
Favorites
Sign up to follow your favorites on all your devices.
Sign up

Goalless Toews: adversity ‘something you have to face come playoff time’

Chicago Blackhawks v Phoenix Coyotes - Game Two

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 14: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks sits on the bench during a time out from Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 14, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. The Blackhawks defeated the Coyotes 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Much has been made of Jonathan Toews’ scoring slump this postseason -- eight games, zero goals.

But as far as he’s concerned, it’s all part of the playoff process.

“This seems to be the first time we’re running into some tough adversity. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Toews told the Chicago Tribune. “That’s something you have to face come playoff time.

“You don’t win a Stanley Cup without going through something like that.”

It must be said that Chicago’s scoring issues aren’t just limited to Toews at the moment.

The Blackhawks have two goals in their last 120 minutes of play and have failed to score on their last seven power play opportunities. Brandon Saad and Viktor Stalberg are also scoreless this postseason, and they combined for 19 during the regular season.

But it’s Toews who’s receiving the most attention for his lack of output.

And to be fair, this isn’t just about the ’13 playoffs.

Since flat-out dominating the 2009-10 postseason -- 29 points in 22 games en route to winning the Conn Smythe -- Captain Serious has been relatively quiet, scoring just 10 points (three goals) in 21 playoff games.

That said, Toews sees better days ahead.

“It’s a long ways from over,” he explained. “We’re going to focus on [Game 4]. We’re a confident, happy group right now and we’re excited to play.”