Blackhawks need core players to step up

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Patrick Kanes game on Thursday night was an example of what he can do when everything is clicking. It was also an example of the leadership the Blackhawks need, be it on or off the ice, in their captains absence.

As Jonathan Toews continues to recover from a suspected concussion, its up to the other core players to pick up the slack, whether its during the game or in that locker room.

Our top guys have to be not just our best players, but they have to lead us through this stretch, coach Joel Quenneville said after the Blackhawks 5-4 victory over Toronto on Thursday. Everybody goes through key injuries. This is the time we need them and we liked what we saw.

Indeed. Obviously the core guys biggest impact comes on the ice. The whole best players need to be your best players bit. Clich as it is, its true. And on Thursday, Kane and Marian Hossa typified that. Coupled with Andrew Brunette, the line was effective and productive, with Kane and Hossa each having two-point nights.

Their second-period work helped the Blackhawks overcome a deficit and avoid what wouldve been another brutal loss.

I think our teams always been about group leadership and I think last night, you saw that in the way Kane and Hossa played, said Duncan Keith. They took over that game. Its tough for guys to stop them when theyre skating like that. That just showed their ability to step up when needed.

And right now the Blackhawks need every healthy guy theyve got, but especially their core players. Kane, Hossa, Keith, Patrick Sharp, Brent Seabrook, Dave Bolland; the guys who went through the Cup battles together are the ones who have to get the Blackhawks through this final critical stretch.

Missing Johnny, its a huge loss but we still have a lot of good pieces, Hossa said. We have to find a way to win without Johnny. Its not easy but we have to find a way. Who knows how long hes going to be out for, so we cant just wait for him. Especially our top players, we have to be at our top games to win.

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