It's clear to see a little Yzerman in Toews

DETROIT -- As the Blackhawks prepare to start the Western Conference finals today at Joe Louis Arena, it's only natural to think of Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and how he shares so many of the same qualities as former Red Wings Hall of Fame center Steve Yzerman.

Of the qualities Toews has that are Yzerman-like, first and foremost is his natural ability as a leader and young captain.

Yzerman was named Detroit's captain in 1986 at age 21. Toews was named captain of the Hawks last July at age 20.

Yzerman won three Stanley Cups with the Red Wings and Hawks fans certainly can envision NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman someday placing the Cup into Toews' arms at center ice.

"With Toews being named captain, it's a credit to his character," Red Wings veteran Kris Draper said on Saturday.

Toews' strong play in the playoffs has led to a lot of talk about him now possibly being a shoo-in to make the Canadian Olympic team for the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

Guess who is Team Canada's general manager?

Yzerman.

Guess who might be the coach?

Detroit's Mike Babcock.

"Toews is the guy you need for your franchise because he's a guy that's going to play two ways," Babcock said. "He's the guy that's going to will your team to success."

Toews has passed every test as a first-year captain. He has led by example on the ice with his work ethic and all-star play (34 goals during the regular season), and behind closed doors is the man in the dressing room.

"I think there was a lot of people with questions at the start of the year with a young captain like that, but the guys in the room, we all knew he was the guy we needed to lead us," teammate Brent Seabrook said. "He doesn't talk all the time in the room, but when something needs to be said, he's the guy who stands up and says it. His play on the ice speaks for itself."

Toews is respectful of the Red Wings and knows it's going to be a challenge for his team to pull off the upset in this series.

"There's an honor to play against a team like that and hopefully be the team

that knocks them off," Toews said. "It's a huge challenge and a huge opportunity

that we're excited about.

"In a lot of ways, pressure is on them. We're just going to go out there and

play and have fun and let loose."

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