Jonathan Toews has just recorded the best season in hockey history. A look at his statistic line may have you saying, “Wait, you’re going to say this is better than Gretzky’s 92 goal season in 81-82? Better than his 215 points in 85-86?”
Well, yes I am.
We can agree that this was nowhere near the strongest statistical season in hockey history. Toews totaled a modest 68 points, one short of his career best set last season. His 25 goals were good enough to tie for 47th in the NHL with the likes of Andrew Brunette, Mason Raymond and Niklas Hagman. They were less than half the total of the NHL’s leading goal scorers Sidney Crosby and Steve Stamkos (51).
Although he led his team in scoring during the 2010 Olympics, a total of eight points hardly seems earth shaking. Those eight points were good enough to tie Pavol Demitra of Slovakia for the best total in the tournament.
The stat line is where the “mediocrity” of Toews’ season ends.
A total of 23 players get the honor every four years of snatching Olympic gold. Toews was one of the 23 not only lucky enough to take the gold, but lucky enough to make the Canadian team, which normally has the most question marks swirling around it prior to opening ceremonies.
To make the team is one thing, to perform is another. Sidney Crosby may forever be heralded as the hero who brought the gold to Canada with his overtime winner in the gold medal game. But let’s refer to the fourth paragraph. Toews led the team in scoring; a team that had its doubters after falling to the Americans in round robin play and drew the offensively power-packed Russians in the first knockout round. After the gold medals were handed out, Toews was named as the best forward in the tournament.
Out of 23, one stood tall. Toews could have rested on his laurels for the remainder of 2010, but when he got back to his day job, the Blackhawks were fighting for a division title and top bidding in the NHL playoffs. With the Blackhawks slumping after the Olympic break, fans and teammates looked for to Toews to summon the power of the C on his jersey.
The Blackhawks found their stride and, after a brief scare from Nashville, cruised past the Canucks and Sharks into the finals.
Only the Philadelphia Flyers stood in the way of Toews’ Blackhawks and the destiny of a team who only three seasons ago had the first draft pick in the NHL entry draft. With key contributions from his Team Canada blue liners, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, and a couple of yankees, Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien, the Blackhawks sealed their fate with a game 6 overtime win.
As Gary Bettman was showered with boos from Philadelphia fans, everyone knew that Toews would be the first to grasp Lord Stanley’s hardware. With 29 points in the playoffs, tied with the great Dennis Savard for most in Blackhawks history, Toews seemed to be the only logical choice for Conn Smythe honors. As sure as Patrick Kane was that his game winner eluded Michael Leighton, Toews snagged the honor of winning the Conn Smythe.
So let’s backtrack. Olympic gold medal – not bad. Best forward in the Olympics – ok, now we’re paying attention. Captaining the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and a championship – this kid is probably heading to Disneyland. Winning the Conn Smythe to top it all off – priceless…never mind, we’ll stay away from that cliché.
However, when Toews finally hits the links this summer (which seems to be the typical behavior for NHL players after an exit from the season), he’ll have more hardware on his mind than a nine iron and a lob wedge. How can he next reflect and realize how surreal this season was?
Certainly the Hart, the Rocket Richard and other individual awards have their worth, but the Conn Smythe is normally awarded to the best player on the best team and is accompanied by Lord Stanley, with some exceptions (i.e. John Sebastian Giguere for the Ducks when they lost to the Devils). And to be the best forward in the WORLD while snatching gold in your home country?
Life must not be too bad when you’re the best player on the best team. It must be great when you’re the best player on the best two teams, and everyone who looks at the record books sees your name glaring at the top in 2010. This season will be tough to top, and the opportunity only comes every four years. I’m guessing Toews will still be around in 2014 to defend his titles.
-MP
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