Moments after Toews picked Nashville center Craig Smith's pocket near the Hawks blue line during a Predators power play late in overtime yesterday, Toews was off to the races on a short-handed breakaway.
Toews was initially robbed by Predators goalie Carter Hutton, but slammed on the brakes, got his own rebound, and somehow forced it home for a thrilling game-winning goal. It was the first time in 105 games (yes, 105) that Nashville had allowed a shorty.
But it isn't just Toews' play that merits his captaincy. Listen to his words after the victory, which kept the Hawks undefeated in regulation, at 3-0-1.
"It was just another kind of frustrating game where we have energy," Toews said. "We can't seem to quite get that flow that we're looking for where all four lines are feeding off each other where we get one good shift, then another one.
"Obviously, we're not gonna make excuses, but I think when we start playing more games, we'll definitely get the feel for what we need to do better."
Excuses?
After hearing his comments, you'd think the Hawks had just lost. But this is a team that doesn't want to settle for mediocrity at any point in any game. That's called having the heart of a champion, and it's this kind of gritty attitude that's led to a pair of Stanley Cups in the Windy City since 2010.
It can't be easy being the Hawks every night, who fans never expect to have a letdown. But it beats the alternative, doesn't it? Heck, I'm certain a few dozen NHL teams wish they had the problems the Hawks have, which are minor.
Take a close look at these numbers. After being outshot 34-26 in an opening night overtime win at Dallas, the Hawks have been doing what they should be doing: Shooting the puck, then shooting it some more.
The Hawks peppered Buffalo the following game with 47 shots on goal, then followed that with a rare 50-shot performance against Calgary. Last night against Nashville? They had 37 shots compared to just 20 for the Predators.
Coach Joel Quenville, always cautious about issuing praise, wasn't about to pin a gold star on his players, though.
"We had a great start (against Nashville)," Quenville said. "I liked our start -- and after 40 minutes, here we are again. At least we weren't behind. I didn't like our third (period)."
Indeed, if there's one knock on this group, it's their baffling ability to turn the switch on or off seemingly at will. Thing is, that switch needs to be turned to the "on" position a little more late in games.
Yet if there's one thing we've learned about the Hawks, it's that they're finishers. Sure, they lost in seven games to the Kings in the conference finals last spring. But they rallied from a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 series deficit to force Game 7, and in 2011 you may recall, nearly rallied from a 3-0 series hole to stun eventual conference champ Vancouver. Then there's those two Stanley Cup thingies.
The force is strong in these Hawks. They're almost like the Muhammed Ali of the hockey world. Can they be beaten? Yes. But get them on the ropes, and almost every time, they'll furiously punch their way out.
Positive signs are everywhere. Yet one individual has stood tall above all others. His name is Corey Crawford, who I think is now a Top-3 goalie in the league. Through four games, Crawford is 3-0-1 with a 1.66 Goals Against Average and a .926 save percentage.
"Crow was excellent (last night) and kept us in it and preserved the point," Quenville said.
Two points, to be exact, coach.
Crawford has been a human highlight reel early-on. He's made spectacular saves, appears more balanced than ever when facing shots, and has a calm confidence suddenly oozing from his every pore.
"I just watch the play, stay ready," Crawford said. "Be prepared for any situation, fast break or whatever."
Eight different Chicago players have scored in its four games. Brandon Saad (3 assists) looks like a flash of lightning every time he touches the puck. Andrew Shaw (2 goals, assist), Patrick Sharp (4 points) and Marian Hossa look like themselves. Kris Versteeg returns from injury soon. The team's young defensemen have held their own and are keeping opposing shot totals low.
In fact, the only two players with a minus rating in the +/- category are Trevor Van Riemsdyk (minus-1) and star blue-liner Duncan Keith (minus-1), who has a pair of goals already and a few shiny Norris Trophies sitting on his mantle.
Dan Carcillo has been full of speed and energy on the team's bottom few lines, and worked well when mixed and matched with the Hawks' top-level skill.
Which is why when I hear these quotes from the team's players and coaching staff, I can't help but picture Ali boxing his way through opponent after opponent, with that smirk of confidence on his face.
Am I worried about the Hawks?
Not a chance. You shouldn't be either.
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