from Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun,

JONATHAN TOEWS:Tight Spaces, Clogged Places ... But Same Ice

After Toews and teammate Patrick Kane combined for just two goals in the final versus Tampa and STILL won the Cup, he values the way that strong supporting cast members like Antoine Vermette and Kris Verteeg can pick up the slack.

“In my opinion, I would agree that the skill level has improved,” Toews said. “The scoring is maybe more spread out throughout the team.

“And it’s just such a fast game, there’s not a lot of space, there’s not a lot of odd-man rushes in the game anymore. It just seems that wherever you look, guys seem to be on you. I mean, everyone can skate so there’s no real talent-limited guys out there. It’s been pretty tight out there.

“I honestly believe it’s a sliding scale. Sometimes officiating might change throughout a year. Like you said, there might be more power plays one year than the next. Who knows? I think for the most part we’re playing in the same league, we’re playing against each other. To a certain degree it’s the same for most guys other than the travel.”

One concept Toews does not believe is a potential solution to increase goals: Expanded ice surfaces.

“I definitely think it’s tougher to score on the bigger ice,” he said.

read on for four more players...