Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is no fighter. He certainly should not go looking for fights. Sometimes, however, a guy's just got to take a stand.
Toews drew a fighting major for just the third time in his six-year NHL career Friday night in Chicago's 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks. Like most of you, I was a little shocked and more than a little uneasy as Toews cross-checked Sharks captain Joe Thornton and goaded the larger man into dropping the gloves.
The late-first-period bout was not a particularly smart move in terms of winning or losing the game, nor did Tazer turn in a very effective performance. It was not a decision meant to inspire teammates. None of the other 'Hawks benefited from the altercation, unless you count the padding of Chicago's penalty-kill rating.
Toews risked injury at the hands of a opponent who has made it a point of pestering him whenever the 'Hawks and Sharks meet. He very well could have taken himself out of action for a long period of time.
What motivated Toews to engage Thornton? In his mind, it may have been as simple as standing up to a bully.
Most of us have had to ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Jon Fromi
Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews Dropped the Gloves for Himself, Not the Team
February 16th, 2013 by Jon Fromi Leave a reply »
Advertisement