O Captain, My Captain!: Toews back tonight vs. Kings

Six games, a 3-for-35 power play and a 3-2-1 record later, captain Jonathan Toews is back with the Blackhawks. Thank the holy Lord.

I think we’ve all missed this kid, and the Blackhawks definitely have missed his play on the ice. The ‘Hawks power play has looked lost and the team has overall looked pretty deflated. Hopefully Toews’ return can inject some more life into the ‘Hawks against a surprising 10-5-2 Los Angeles Kings team featuring stud muffin Anze Kopitar.

After playing well against Colorado in the middle, Kris Versteeg will be playing center tonight as Dave Bolland’s injured back will have him sidelined again. We discussed Bolland’s surgery-or-no-surgery situation last night on the PUCKCAST, and it’s about time a decision gets made.

At least Ben Eager returns to the lineup for the first time since the start of the season. I wouldn’t expect too much ice time from him after such a long layoff.

The Kings are coming off a 3-1 loss to Nashville on Saturday, but last week they beat up on an injury-plagued Penguins team and won in Phoenix. While Kopitar and his 27 points (13G, 14A) get most of the attention, Jonathan Quick has been more than serviceable in goal, sporting at 2.61 GAA.

I’m excited to see Toews back and can’t wait for the ovation he receives, and I’m looking forward to watching Kopitar in person again.

I’ll be in my usual seat — Section 326, Row 12, Seat 11. Come on by!

Follow BlackhawkUp.com @blackhawksup and on Facebook