When you think of the Chicago Blackhawks, one name immediately comes to mind – Patrick Kane. But on March 1st, earth-shattering news was delivered. After 16 years at the United Center, Kane will move on to the New York Rangers to wind down his career and attempt to fire the famed franchise to a first Stanley Cup in almost three decades.
Say what you will about him, but Kane is a bona fide legend in the ice hockey world. From his patented toe drag move to his iconic Stanley Cup celebration, this now former Chicago Blackhawks star has defined today’s version of puck success. With 1,225 points in 1,161 games, numerous individual awards, and career-defining moments, there’s no denying that Kane is among the greatest players ever to grace the ice.
This season, the Blackhawks are a shell of their former selves. They are currently rock bottom of the Central Division and have picked up just 21 wins from the 60 games they have played this term, and as such, are in dire need of a rebuild. The Rangers, however, are a team that is on the rise.
They reached the Eastern Conference finals last term, but unfortunately, lost out to the reigning champion Tampa Bay Lightning. They are well positioned this term, however, and are currently third in the Metropolitan Division, with 35 wins from their 61 games played. With the addition of Kane, their NHL Stanley Cup odds on Bodog have been slashed, and there is a real possibility of the famous trophy making its way to Madison Square Garden for the first time in 29 years.
With the groundbreaking news of Kane’s trade, we thought that it would only be right to take a look back through his sensational career in Illinois. If you’re a fan of the Blackhawks, sit back and remember the good times. If you are a fan of the Rangers, enjoy what you have to look forward to.
The Early Years
Patrick Kane has been with the Chicago Blackhawks since 2007 when he was drafted first overall. He was a key part of their Stanley Cup successes in 2010, 2013, and 2015. And he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Kane made his debut with the franchise during the 2007-2008 season and he quickly proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with. In his maiden campaign, he scored 21 goals and 72 points throughout the 82-game season. He continued in the same vain in his sophomore season, scoring 25 goals and 70 points. It was clear from early on that Kane was destined for greatness.
Stanley Cup Successes
The 2009/10 season was a turning point for the Blackhawks, and in the postseason, Kane etched his name into Chicago folklore forever, with his breakout moment coming in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite being kept relatively quiet by his standards – he had only scored twice up until this point – he scored the game-winning goal in overtime of Game 6 against the Philadelphia Flyers. That gave his side its first Stanley Cup in 49 years and sealed his name in Chicago folklore for eternity.
The 2013 season was arguably even better than 2010, with the Blackhawks having one of their best regular season records in franchise history, even managing to pick up the President’s Trophy. Kane was once again in scintillating form, posting 55 points throughout 47 games during a campaign in which the start was delayed due to a lockout.
They made their way past the St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, and Los Angeles Kings on their way to the finals, where they would meet the Boston Bruins. Kane was quiet when it came to goals however, he showed up when it mattered, scoring twice in Game 6 to give his side a 3-1 victory. In the end, despite not meeting as much as he would have liked, his performances earned him the series MVP award, and he helped his side lift the Stanley Cup following a four-game to-two success.
2015 Season
In 2015, the Hawks had another great regular season as well as an incredible playoff run. In the postseason, they beat the Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild, and Anaheim Ducks before meeting Tampa Bay Lightning in The Finals. After an intense battle, The Hawks emerged victorious yet again through six. Kane was the star of the show, top scoring throughout the Stanley Cup finals with 23 points.
The Later Years
The year following his third Stanley Cup success was Kane’s best on a personal level. He posted a career-best 106 points as the Blackhawks reached the playoffs for the seventh time consecutive season. He would post even more impressive figures three years later, bagging a huge 110 points throughout the course of the campaign. The 34-year-old is only getting better with age, as demonstrated by the 92 points he managed last season, and the New York Rangers may have finally added the missing piece of the puzzle that is their already impressive roster.
