It’s been evident this year that Patrick Kane lives and breathes hockey, stopping at nothing to improve every aspect of his game. Kane is putting together one of his most remarkable seasons to date all while strapping the Chicago Blackhawks to his back, doing everything in his power to secure that last wild card spot. As Blackhawks fans know, Kane’s natural environment is playoff hockey.
Let’s talk about the numbers that are propelling Kane’s monster season.
Currently Kane is second among NHL scoring with 34 goals and 85 points in 57 games. He’s on pace for 48 goals and 119 points, easily eclipsing his career high of 46 goals and 106 points in the 2015-16 season.
Some interesting stats to go along with this incredible season, Kane has 23 multi-point games with a stretch of 5 consecutive multi-point games and a current point streak of 16 games. Incredibly Kane has only had 9 total games out of 57 in which he hasn’t registered a point. It’s no wonder Kane is the fifth fastest U.S. born player to reach 900 points.
Kane has a legitimate shot at taking home the Hart Trophy for MVP this season with only Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov slightly edging him as we stand. If the Blackhawks somehow made it into the playoffs Kane would win the Hart Trophy without a doubt. The only player to win the Hart Trophy without making the playoffs is Mario Lemeiux, so Kane still has some more work to do.
One thing that has really helped Kane is the fact that he’s on the first line with Jonathan Toews and Drake Caggiula. The chemistry between Toews and Kane is a treat to watch, who knows the type of numbers they would put up if that line got a whole season together. Caggiula does the little things very well and isn’t afraid to throw some weight around, giving Kane and Toews room to make some special plays
The resurgence of the Blackhawks power play has had a big impact on Kane’s season. The addition of Dylan Strome and Erik Gustafsson to the first power play unit has really helped Kane grab some extra points. It also helps that Kane is on the ice for the entire power play.
Since day one, Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton hasn’t been afraid to unleash Kane. On Colliton’s watch, Kane’s average time on ice has jumped from 20:00 to 22:42 minutes a night. With TOI like that Kane has a chance to score multiple times a game.
Kane has the potential to be one of the greatest U.S. born players in history and still has about 6-8 years left in his career. Sit back and relax, its showtime.
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