Blackhawks Daily: Sasha Barkov Looks An Awful Lot Like Jonathan Toews

A lot of eyes are on the Florida Panthers right now. They are one win over the Edmonton Oilers away from winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.  One thing Chicago Blackhawks fans may notice is the play of Panthers captain Sasha Barkov. He is an outstanding two-way forward who plays at a high level in all three zones of the ice. 

Barkov took a while to get going in his playoff career but he has been nothing short of excellent this time around. His Panthers are now one win away from the Stanley Cup as a result.

Doesn’t he remind of a certain beloved Blackhawks captain?

When Toews was wearing the “C” on his chest through some of the Blackhawks’ runs, he would score big goals in the clutch, make his teammates better both on and off the ice, and keep the best players on the other team from reaching their peak.

Toews’ dominance is what allowed him to receive that Cup from the commissioner three times. We are seeing shades of that from Barkov with the Florida Panthers.

Sometimes, being that top-end two-way centerman is more important than being the guy who tries to outscore everyone. We’ve seen Toews lead the Blackhawks to a lot of championships doing that. There were/are plenty of other players who can score at a high clip so the top-line center can worry about multiple responsibilities.

With Florida one win away, Barkov has to be thinking about that potential moment of lifting it. Blackhawks fans can watch this game and think about the glory days with Toews leading the way.

It shouldn’t surprise anybody if Barkov and the Panthers win multiple championships as Toews did with the Hawks. They are built very similarly and it starts with these Selke-caliber centers. The next chance to get a glimpse of this series comes on Saturday night in Edmonton.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

Liam Greentree continues CHN’s look at potential prospects the Blackhawks could take. Would the big forward check the boxes for the Blackhawks at #18?

Players like Patrik Laine, Martin Necas, and Mitch Marner are targets to watch as potential trade pieces for the Chicago Blackhawks

Valeri Nuchuskin led some trade rumors to the Blackhawks. When there’s smoke, there’s fire? Or is it just a false alarm?

Trevor Connelly could be a prospect that the Chicago Blackhawks consider.

Adam Jiricek is someone with the pedigree needed to be drafted by Chicago.

Michael Hage is a wonderful young player to consider drafting in the mid-late teens.

Stanley Cup Final Coverage from Florida Hockey Now

The Florida Panthers have pushed the Edmonton Oilers to the brink, holding on for a 4-3 victory Thursday night. The Panthers can seal their first Stanley Cup in its history on Saturday.

Sasha Barkov looked just fine Thursday night, burying a goal and helping shut down Edmonton’s vaunted attack

The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers have a wild plane ride to deal with in the Stanley Cup Final.

Hockey Now Network:

San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks have officially hired Ryan Warsofsky

New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils have hired Jeremy Colliton as their assistant coach.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins are adding David Quinn to Mike Sullivan’s coaching staff.