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Blackhawks Fri Jun 13 2008
Kane is able
Blackhawks star rookie Patrick Kane won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year last night, edging out teammate Jonathon Toews and Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom. Kane lead both the Hawks and all rookies in scoring with 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists), dispelling the worry that the 5'10", 163-pound teenager wouldn't be able to withstand the rigors of an NHL season. Kane is the first Chicago player to win the award since netminder Ed Belfour in 1990-91.
Kane and Toews were also named to the NHL's All-Rookie Team for their stellar first campaigns. The duo helped revitalize the moribund Blackhawk franchise, pushing them to the brink of a playoff berth and providing an excitement that has long been missing in the United Center.
While Kane is more than deserving of Rookie of the Year honors due to his playmaking ability and point totals, Toews was in many ways the heart and soul of the franchise. He led all rookies in goals with 24 despite missing more than a month with a knee injury, which coincided with a 10-game losing streak by the Blackhawks.
The terrific twosome will be back on the ice for their sophomore seasons next fall, hoping to lift the Hawks back into the Stanley Cup playoffs and continue their already rapid development. With both Kane and Toews in the Indianhead sweater, the future of the Blackhawks looks bright.
