It’s been a rough start to the 2016-17 season for the Chicago Blackhawks, and captain Jonathan Toews seemed to take notice Friday.
In both games they’ve played so far, they’ve given up three power play goals.
After the Hawks and Nashville Predators traded goals to make it 2-2, Toews and James Neal dropped the gloves for a spirited tilt, which you can see above.
Toews has been in six fights now, though this one came earlier in the year than any other. In the five other fights, three of them have come in the month of November. It’s early but Chicago might be getting desperate.
The Blackhawks captain has fought Adam Henrique, Joe Thornton, Martin Hanzal, and David Backes twice.
Toews vs. Backes, Nov. 14 2015
In that most recent bout with Backes, Toews responded to a hit from behind on teammate Niklas Hjamlmarsson.
Toews vs. Henrique, Nov. 6 2015
Just eight days earlier, Toews and Henrique seemingly got tangled up out of nowhere after a whistle. Give Toews the decision here.
Toews vs. Thornton, Feb. 15 2013
With six fights now under his belt, three of them are against fellow captains. That’s…leadership for you?
After some serious shoving in the corners, a reluctant Thornton finally agrees and manages to wrestle the smaller captain down.
Toews vs. Backes, Jan. 2 2010
Every one of these fights so far have taken place in the first period. Coincidence?
Toews vs. Hanzal, Nov. 18 2008
Commentator Darren Pang explains that Toews has the wrong guy as the captain tries to respond to an earlier hit on Patrick Kane.
“But you gotta love it,” says Pang. “The young guys in Chicago are sticking together.”
Toews has 362 penalty minutes in 647 career games. That, and a Mark Messier NHL Leadership award.
