Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa get the big bucks—they're the three highest-paid forwards on the Chicago Blackhawks—so they get the most blame as to why the NHL's defending Stanley Cup champions are one first-round series loss away to St. Louis from being dethroned.
None of the three, who make a combined $26.25 million this season according to General Fanager, have scored a goal in the series, which continues with Thursday's Game 5 at Scottrade Center.
Of course, it's not as simple as that. Kane has four points in the series (all assists) and 17 shots on goal. Toews has two points, two assists and 14 shots. Hossa has only one point, but he's getting plenty of chances with 16 shots on goal so far.
While the lack of goal scoring from the big-money, big-minute, big-name stars is the macro problem, the micro issues concern the loss of depth that characterized last year's Cup winners. The Blackhawks still have plenty of filet mignon, but those quality side dishes are missing—the kind that make a truly great meal.
General manager Stan Bowman ha ...
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Article written by Adrian Dater