Toews MVP buzz growing stronger

Jonathan Toews continues to make a serious push to be considered in the talk for the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player.

Toews has 33 points in the Blackhawks’ last 21 games to run his season totals to 30 goals and 71 points. The Hawks have gone 12-5-4 in those games.

“He’s been dominating a lot of times on the ice, and that line (with Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane) has been a big factor in our recent success,” coach Joel Quenneville said.

“Johnny is a top player in our league. I think earlier on (Sidney) Crosby was the guy who had an amazing streak and was a top player.

“Johnny, from the start of the season, you can see him getting better and better and better and better. The games become more important, and Johnny likes that challenge and rises to the occasion.

“He certainly should get some consideration based on what he’s been doing and where he’s been putting us.”

Toews doesn’t have as many points as Vancouver’s Daniel Sedin or Henrik Sedin, or as many goals as Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos, but his all-around game speaks for itself as a power-play guy, penalty- killer and leader.

If the season ended today, Toews would appear to be one of the five top candidates for MVP along with the Sedins, Stamkos and Boston goalie Tim Thomas.

Toews said this is not the time to be concerned with individual achievements.

“As a team we’re playing well and personally, I think I feel like I’m doing a lot of right things,” he said.

Something to keep in mind with the writers who vote for the Hart Trophy: No forward has been MVP and not finished either first or second in the scoring race since Edmonton’s Mark Messier in 1992.

100 and counting:Patrick Kane is only looking forward after scoring his 100th career goal in Monday#146;s win over San Jose.

#147;It#146;s pretty special, but it#146;s nice to get it and get it out of the way,#148; Kane said.

Linemate Jonathan Toews remembered to grab the puck out of the net for Kane.

#147;I could see him looking over and I figured I had to go get it for him,#148; Toews said.

#147;I told him I was going to get the puck for him when he scored his 100th, but then I forgot,#148; Kane said.

Sticking point:Neither Marian Hossa nor Joel Quenneville wanted to elaborate following Monday#146;s win on the Hawks#146; star finally getting the #147;right#148; sticks.

Hossa credited health and getting the right batch of sticks with his recent scoring turnaround. So the Hawks#146; $8 million player was using the wrong strikes?

It was late last season when Duncan Keith talked about having the wrong kind of skates.