Crosby2010
Registered User
- Mar 4, 2023
- 1,104
- 921
So we all remember the time when Toews was very much a golden boy in the NHL. Lots to like about him. It all started in the 2007 WJC when Canada won in a shootout in the semis and Toews scored all three goals. His legend started then, and it would be easy to just live off of that sort of hype but it was only the beginning. Cups in 2010, 2013 and 2015. The nickname "Captain Serious" the type of player who was a born winner. Instrumental player on the 2010 and 2014 Olympic teams and the 2016 World Cup team. A perfect example of a player whose true value didn't always show up on the stat sheet. And even then in a rare occurrence it did. In 2013 Toews led the NHL in even strength goals. This was maybe his best season. 48 points in 47 games (shortened season), 2nd team all-star, 4th in Hart voting, Selke winner, Stanley Cup winning captain. Not to mention Chicago was the last team to lead the NHL in points and win the Cup. They had a 24-game unbeaten streak and they were the straw that stirred the drink in the NHL then.
I am going to say for about a 4-5 span he was the best centre in the NHL behind Crosby. Some in the media liked him over Crosby, which was absurd, but to me there was a very good argument that he was slotted in as the 2nd best centre during the 2010-'15 or so era.
Crosby even despite his injuries was #1. Malkin did have a huge 2012 season, but also had some injuries and this was also that bizarre time where the Pens lost some head scratchers in the postseason with much of the blame going on their stars. Stamkos was scoring a lot, but there wasn't that "it" factor like Toews had. Getzlaf would be another name that could pop up as the #2 centre during that time. Either way, I don't think it was an exaggeration nor is it revisionist history that he was at that level in the NHL. It may have helped that there was a bit of a lull in the NHL at this time, reminiscent of the early 2000s where there were less dominant players having big years but either way I truly believe Toews was the 2nd best centre in the NHL for a brief time and it coincided with the Hawks winning Cups.
Lastly, let's remember 2014. Toews was the poster child for winning, and Crosby hadn't won in 5 years and there were those choke jobs the Pens had dealt with recently in the playoffs. The idea was that Crosby is captain of Team Canada at the Olympics. It was the right choice and the obvious one. But even Sid publicly said he personally asked Toews if it was okay. To me I think that says it all right there.
I am going to say for about a 4-5 span he was the best centre in the NHL behind Crosby. Some in the media liked him over Crosby, which was absurd, but to me there was a very good argument that he was slotted in as the 2nd best centre during the 2010-'15 or so era.
Crosby even despite his injuries was #1. Malkin did have a huge 2012 season, but also had some injuries and this was also that bizarre time where the Pens lost some head scratchers in the postseason with much of the blame going on their stars. Stamkos was scoring a lot, but there wasn't that "it" factor like Toews had. Getzlaf would be another name that could pop up as the #2 centre during that time. Either way, I don't think it was an exaggeration nor is it revisionist history that he was at that level in the NHL. It may have helped that there was a bit of a lull in the NHL at this time, reminiscent of the early 2000s where there were less dominant players having big years but either way I truly believe Toews was the 2nd best centre in the NHL for a brief time and it coincided with the Hawks winning Cups.
Lastly, let's remember 2014. Toews was the poster child for winning, and Crosby hadn't won in 5 years and there were those choke jobs the Pens had dealt with recently in the playoffs. The idea was that Crosby is captain of Team Canada at the Olympics. It was the right choice and the obvious one. But even Sid publicly said he personally asked Toews if it was okay. To me I think that says it all right there.