Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links- Reunited Feels So Bad

Good morning Chicago Blackhawks fans! The Chicago Blackhawks had a day off, went to practice, and magically put Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on the same line.

When I see Joel Quenneville decide to put Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane on the same line it means one thing and one thing in my mind and that’s desperation!

For years, Coach Q would sneak these two on the same line during a playoff run for a game, but in general they don’t play on the same line to force defenses have to defend two great players on two different lines.

To make things even more nostalgic, Patrick Sharp will be on the other wing of this top line which really is disappointing.  To me Sharp is wasting a roster spot right now, he’s not noticeable ever on the ice and he doesn’t make things happen.  In my mind he’s taking up Vinnie Hinostroza‘s roster spot.

Sharp used to have great skill and speed, but now he’s just an old vet that has a flash or two, but Coach Q is forcing him on to the top line to spark 19 & 88 with someone familiar.

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The real problem and it hurts me to even think about this is the fact that Toews skills may really be on the downturn sooner than they should be. Trust me, I really hope i’m wrong here, but last year might not be just a blip on the radar.  Toews talents could be diminishing quickly, or maybe Q needs to lessen his workload defensively.   Maybe give the energy line, the tougher defensive matchup, and let #19 face the 2nd or 3rd best line of the opposition to get better chances in the offensive end!

Kane and Toews are reunited at practice, but I sure don’t feel very good about it!

Here are some morning links to start your Wednesday! 

What did Patrick Sharp have to say about the line changes today at practice (Blackhawks)

What happened this week with the Rockford IceHogs (Faxes From Uncle Dale)

The NHL continues to rely on the Chicago Blackhawks for outdoor games (SB Nation)

5 issues facing the struggling Chicago Blackhawks (Tribune)

Blackhawks penalty kill is back to being good again (CSN)

Ryan Getzlaf will be out 2 months following surgery (Bleacher Report)

What is the aftermath of the Matt Duchene trade (FanRag)

What is the next move for Predators Frederick Gaudreau (Predlines)

Vladimir Tarasenko status is uncertain which is bad for Blues fans (Bleedin Blue)

Next: NHL Power Rankings

What did we learn from around the NHL this past week (Puck Daddy)