Backstrom continues to thrive alongside NHL leading goal scorer
Alex Ovechkin. The Swede leads all rookies in points and
assists, and second in power-play points. The Capitals can
credit new coach Bruce Boudreau for Backstrom's much-improved
effort, as the 20-year-old has recorded 47 of his 56 points
since Washington hired its new bench boss.
Kane has experienced a couple of minor slumps over the past
couple months, but remains among the rookie scoring leaders. He
ranks second in assists and points, and third in goals. He's
been clutch as of late, scoring two game-winners in the past six
contests. The 19-year-old has also been valuable in the shootout
for Chicago with five goals in seven attempts.
Muller has failed to find the net in his last 12 games,
partially because, as coach Wayne Gretzky suggests, the rookie
is thinking too much. Still, Gretzky has been patient with the
19-year-old. "He's played a lot of hockey for us, a lot of
important minutes and a lot of big minutes, and this is new to
him." Mueller is still finding ways to chip in, though, with six
assists during the span of his goal drought.
The future is now for Price and Montreal, which made the rookie
their starter following the Cristobal Huet trade. Before a poor
outing against the Sharks on Mar. 3, Price responded to the
promotion by posting three wins, a 1.33 goals-against average
and a .957 save percentage. He is expected to carry the
Canadiens to and through the postseason.
Toews' knee injury may to be prove a factor in Calder Trophy
voting as the Chicago center slipped in a number of scoring
categories during his hiatus. Since returning in February,
though, the 19-year-old has been one of the more productive
Blackhawks, with points in six of his last 11 games, three of
which were multi-point efforts.
Gagner's stats may not be worthy of the Calder Trophy given the
production put up by his peers, but the 18-year-old is
developing into a shootout specialist. The Oilers, who lead the
league in shootout wins can thank Gagner for that, as the rookie
has posted four game-deciding goals in the showdown. That leads
all rookies and ranks second in the league among all players.
