Patrick Kane is to the Chicago Blackhawks what Tom Brady is to the New England Patriots: massively influential, integral to their recent success and the ultimate professional to have on your roster.
Kane Leading the Way to Another Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup?
Since drafting Kane with the first overall pick in the 2007 draft, Chicago have competed in the Stanley Cup three times – winning on all three occasions. And while it would be unfair on Kane’s colleagues to suggest that the Blackhawks number 88 was the key reason for their success, he has certainly been a pivotal figure since joining the franchise.
Jonathan Toews was Chicago’s main man before Kane started to prove that he could cope with the pressure of carrying the Blackhawks through matches and Chicago now have one of the strongest and most dangerous double threats in the National Hockey League.
Both men are capable of turning matches on their head in the blink of an eye and their points scoring records speak for themselves. In 684 regular season appearances, Toews has notched 258 goals and 328 assists – a solid record to say the least.
Comparatively, Kane has featured in 706 games; netting 265 goals whilst recording 445 assists. If nothing else, these statistics show that, whilst both men are key to Chicago’s style of play and success, as is Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov, Kane is slightly more influential and that is why he is regarded as the main man at United Center.
With Kane and Toews fighting fit and firing on all cylinders, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Blackhawks reach the Stanley Cup once again, and you’d have to fancy Joel Quenneville’s side in the postseason. Their record in the playoffs with Toews and Kane in the side is nothing short of sensational.
At the time of writing, the Blackhawks are second to the Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference’s Central Division but Chicago will be confident of climbing above their rivals in the coming months. While they fell 3-2 in their recent clash with the Wild, three clashes in the space of six weeks in February and March should determine their final standing in the division.
With 29 wins from their 48 matches so far this season, Chicago are building momentum nicely and six victories in the last 10 appearances will certainly help their confidence as the business end of the campaign approaches. As of January 22nd, bet365 punters can back the Blackhawks for the Stanley Cup at +850.00 in their NHL betting markets.
Kane is currently tied for fourth with San Jose defenseman Brent Burns in the NHL’s pointscoring charts but Chicago’s talisman will be confident of climbing the rankings before the end of the regular
season. With 47 points so far, Kane’s projected total is below last year’s 106 – a career-high tally.
However, he is still one of the best players in the NHL and his 33 assists are second only to Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers. If nothing else, Kane has tended to produce his best form in the playoffs and Chicago will be very happy with his efforts and achievements so far this year. Blackhawks fans have been treated to a plethora of success in recent years and they could be set for more silverware this season if Kane finds his best form.
On his day, the 2007 number one pick is unstoppable and it would be difficult to back against Chicago if they go on to reach the postseason. Kane is on target for the Hall of Fame and a fourth Stanley Cup triumph can only help his chances of going down as one of the greatest players of all-time.
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