Jonathan Toews: How to Fill a Hole That Big in the Blackhawks Lineup

The worst nightmare for the Chicago Blackhawks may be close to coming true.

Jonathan Toews was injured in Saturday's game against the Nashville Predators and is not expected play Tuesday or during the All-Star break.

Joel Quenneville, coach of the Blackhawks, said the injury Toews sustained was not serious.

"We have some time off. Have some extra days there," Quenneville said. "Hopefully he gets some rest. We'll get a better assessment after (the break)."

But in the event that Toews will have to miss significant time with an injury who will step up and fill the void?

In the absence of Toews, Dave Bolland is expected to take the lead as a first line center. Quenneville said he doesn't want Bolland changing the way he plays because of the injury.

"He doesn't have to be Johnny or an offensive type of guy. Play to your strength, especially tomorrow, because it will be a tight game," Quenneville said.

Is it possible that one player can fill in for Jonathan Toews and all that he brings to the Blackhawks' bench? There isn't a better two-way forward in the game today and without the help of Toews the Blackhawks may very well be fighting for a playoff spot.

With the absence of both Toews and Sharp other star Blackhawks will have to up their already stellar production.

Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Victor Stalberg, Marcus Kruger and Dave Bolland will all be responsible for filling in for Toews. The task at hand will be hard to swallow as no one in the league was better at face offs than Toews.  

The question of how will this affect the penalty kill will also need to be answered. The Blackhawks penalty kill ranks 27th in the league with Toews on it, how will it fare without him? 

The defense has also suffered this season as the Blackhawks have given up 141 goals in 49 games this season. Without their best defensive forward that number is predicted to go up.

The Blackhawks will need to play some of their best games if Toews is to be out. With St. Louis and Detroit charging up the standings and the Blackhawks facing a nine-game road trip, tough times are sure to be ahead.