NHL: 5 Red-Hot Chicago Blackhawks Stepping Up in Lieu of Jonathan Toews

The Chicago Blackhawks have been without the services of Jonathan Toews for over a month. As the captain goes, so go the 'Hawks is the conventional wisdom. So why have the 'Hawks been on such a tear?

Chicago has been the hottest team in the Western Conference, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 games following a 5-1 win in Columbus Tuesday night. As the Blackhawks return to the United Center to host Vancouver, they have closed the gap on division rivals Detroit and Nashville.

Toews has been out of the lineup for 14 games. The 'Hawks would have done well just to stay in the playoff mix without their most vital skater. Instead, Chicago has gone 9-4-1 and is threatening to grab home-ice advantage in the opening round of the postseason.

A host of 'Hawks have stepped up their games since Toews left the lineup last month. Here are five notable skaters who are heating up at a crucial time for Chicago.

Marian Hossa

Hossa has played at a point-a-game pace since Toews left the lineup. He is currently on a six-game point streak, during which he has nine points.

Hossa recorded two points last night in Columbus. That gave the veteran forward 900 points in his NHL career, a plateau only eight active players have reached.

Patrick Sharp

Two goals against the Blue Jackets gave Sharp the team lead in goals scored this season with 30.

March has been Sharp's month. He has 13 points in nine games, helping lead the team to a 7-1-1 record. He is a plus-four since Toews has been out.

Sharp has posted multiple-points in five of his last nine games, and, like Hossa, has a six-game point streak.

Brent Seabrook

Another player who has raised his game, Seabrook is on a five-game point streak.

Seabrook held in a loose puck just inside the blue line in Columbus and flipped a 55-footer by Steve Mason to give the 'Hawks a 3-0 advantage just eight minutes into the contest. The defenseman was a plus-two for the evening. Over his last five games, Seabrook's skater rating is a plus-eight.

Brian Bickell

Bickell has been working hard on the checking line in recent weeks and it's beginning to show up on the scoreboard.

Winning a board battle for control of a loose puck Tuesday, Bickell came away with the biscuit and caromed it off Andrew Shaw for Chicago's first goal against Columbus. It's indicative of the big forward's improved play after a tough go of it for most of the season.

Bickell had a goal and two assists in Chicago's 5-2 win over Washington, and has notched points in six of his last 10 games.

Andrew Shaw

Since returning from a short stint back in Rockford, Shaw has been more defensively responsible. Along with Bickell and Dave Bolland, the three have made a nice checking line.

Along with Bickell, Shaw is making noise on the scoreboard. By getting to the net and scrapping for pucks, Shaw has eight points in his last 10 games.

Sunday was a career night for the young 2011 fifth-rounder. Shaw had a pair of goals and an assist in the win over the Capitals. Heading into his second tilt with the Canucks, Shaw is riding a three-game point streak.