Kane, Toews selected as Calder finalists

It was only fitting that Blackhawks teenagers Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews stood together again Wednesday, named as two of the three finalists for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year.

Right from the start of rookie camp last summer, Kane and Toews were linked. It was hard to mention one without the other as they helped ignite what was a turnaround season for the Hawks on and off the ice.

Now they will be together again on June 12 in Toronto when the winner of the Calder Trophy is announced.

Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom was the third finalist named, based on a vote by members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

Toews saw the appropriateness of being named with Kane as a rookie of the year finalist.

"We did so many things together on and off the ice," Toews said. "We were linemates, roommates on the road, we did promotional stuff together in Chicago.

"A lot of the things we had to face as rookies in the National Hockey League we dealt with together.

"So for us to sit here today and have the honor of being recognized and having a chance to win this award is special for us. We owe a lot to our coaches and teammates, but we also helped each other get here, too."

Kane led all rookies as well as the Hawks with 72 points, finishing with 21 goals and 51 assists. The 51 assists were a record for a Hawks rookie.

Backstrom was second in rookie scoring with 69 points while Toews led all first-year players in goals with 24 and power-play goals with 7. He finished with 54 points despite missing 18 games with injuries.

"The three of us were up there all year as far as points went," Kane said. "It's a special year for rookies. There were a lot of good players out there and there wasn't really one that controlled everything. We were all pretty even and to be nominated is pretty special."

No Hawks rookie has won the Calder Trophy since goalie Ed Belfour in 1991.

"We couldn't have gone into a better situation in our rookie year," said Kane, who singled out coach Denis Savard for praise. "We got a lot of ice time. Savvy played us a lot and never really got down on us too hard. He gave us a lot of confidence to do our thing on the ice."

Kane is favored to win the Calder based on a poll conducted last month by the Daily Herald.

Of the 33 writers responding to the poll, 21 named Kane first on their ballots. Ten writers put Kane second and two had him third.

Toews received eight first-place votes, seven seconds and 10 thirds.