Kane honored for dazzling debut
Patrick Kane's big first month for the Blackhawks was recognized Friday when he was named NHL rookie of the month for October.
The 18-year-old right wing had 5 goals and 11 assists in 12 games, with his 16 points being the most by a rookie in October since 1992, when Teemu Selanne had 20 for Winnipeg and Joe Juneau 17 for Boston.
"It tells about his determination, that's the only word I can find for it," Hawks coach Denis Savard said. "He's determined to be the best he can be. He deserves it."
Kane edged teammate Jonathan Toews for the award. Toews had 5 goals and 5 assists in 10 games. Toews missed the first two games of the season with a broken finger.
"It's unfortunate for him he missed the other two games because he probably would have been right up there with me," Kane said. "It's good for the organization and good for both of us.
"I knew if I played my own game and got adjusted to this level that maybe these things would come, but maybe not this early."
Also receiving consideration were Edmonton forwards Andrew Cogliano (8 points) and Sam Gagner (7), and Minnesota goaltender Josh Harding.
Follow the leaders: Tuomo Ruutu and Brent Sopel will be the Hawks' alternate captains for November, Denis Savard said.
Patrick Sharp and Robert Lang served in the roles in October, but Savard plans to make the change every month and reward two fresh players.
"Sharp and Lang had done a good job holding the torch with the 'A's,' but I said we were going to evaluate it every month," Savard said. "We want to spread our leadership out. This is a new group and everyone is going to have a chance to share it and we'll see where that leads us to.
"For us, there's a lot of leaders in that room, more than I've seen in a long time."
Sopel, who just joined the Hawks prior to the season, never has been a captain.
"He's been a great leader and very talkative on the ice," Savard said.
"Obviously, I wasn't expecting it," Sopel said. "It's an honor to wear it and be part of this team. But it won't change my game. Everyone in this room that doesn't have a letter is still a leader."
Savard said he would go the entire season without naming a captain.
Dimitri who? With his points scoring streak sitting at 10 games, Jonathan Toews is only 4 shy of the NHL record for a rookie to begin his career.
The record is 14, held by former Boston forward Dimitri Kvartalnov, who did it in 1992.
Denis Savard couldn't remember much about Kvartalnov.
"You guys don't even know his name, how would I know?" joked Savard. "What number did he wear?"
Kvartalnov played only two NHL seasons with the Bruins.