Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews scores lone goal in 2-1 preseason loss to Senators

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Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) scores a goal past Ottawa Senators goaltender Mike Condon (1) during the first period of NHL hockey preseason game Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, in Chicago. | David Banks/Associated Press

Alex DeBrincat found Jonathan Toews with a no-look pass, and Toews tapped the puck past goalie Mike Condon in the first period of the Blackhawks’ 2-1 preseason loss Thursday to the Senators at the United Center.

It was Toews’ third goal in the last two games. It’s only the preseason, but it might be a small sign he is in line for a bounce-back season. During the first week of training camp, Toews expressed disappointment with his career-low 20 goals and 52 points in 2017-18.

‘‘[I want to] be a consistent contributor and have one of the best seasons I’ve had in a long time,’’ Toews said.

But Toews was the lone bright spot for the Hawks. Coach Joel Quenneville was disappointed in their performance and said he was ‘‘looking for better than tonight.’’

Sikura’s stock dropping

Dylan Sikura hasn’t been as strong recently as the Hawks hoped he would be. The game against the Senators offered proof of that.

John Hayden replaced Sikura on the second line and the power play midway through the game. Sikura was demoted to the fourth line.

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Quenneville’s decision to move Sikura down raised the question about whether the Hawks might start him in Rockford.

‘‘We’ll see,’’ Quenneville said. ‘‘It’s something we’ll talk about. We don’t have many moves left. We have one extra forward now and a discussion.’’

Jokiharju staying put

At the start of camp, 19-year-old defenseman Henri Jokiharju didn’t know exactly where he would start the season. It appeared it would be with Rockford or back in the Western Hockey League.

But then defenseman Connor Murphy (back) got injured, and Jokiharju turned heads at camp.

Now with only seven healthy defensemen on the roster, it’s safe to say Jokiharju will be with the Hawks on opening night Thursday in Ottawa.

‘‘Of course, it feels good to be here,’’ Jokiharju said. ‘‘You know, day after day getting better, it’s a big step for me.’’

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