Chicago Blackhawks News 2015: Patrick Kane Makes US Hockey History
The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Los Angeles Kings in overtime, 3-2 on Saturday; but it's not a "total" loss for the Blackhawks as veteran forward Patrick Kane set a new NHL record after scoring in his 19th consecutive game, officially giving him the distinction of having the longest "points" streak for an American-born player.
His streak actually started in October against the Blue Jackets, which he later followed with a seven-game goal streak, beginning from Nov. 2 to Nov. 15.
Even opponents' coaches sing praises for the 27-year-old star. According to assistant coach John Stevens of LA, Kane may be the best in the NHL when it comes to using the top half of the zone in offense. "Pat Kane's having a career year. He's a danger all the time and he's got a little chemistry with Artemi Panarin," the coach added.
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The first overall pick of the 2007 NHL entry draft scored a power-play goal in the middle part of the opening period. He got past Jonathan Quick with a high wrist shot and soon knew that he actually did something special. His 14th goal this year actually allowed him to be on top of players Eddie Olczyk and Phil Kessel; two players who also happen to have experienced 18-game scoring streaks on their own.
His achievement is likewise the NHL's longest, the last one being a 25-point streak by Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kane likewise is only a game away from the 21-point streak by former Blackhawk Bobby Hull several decades ago.
Kane is currently his team's leader in both assists and points this season, not to mention that he also is close second in goals with 13 thus far.
In a report from NHL.com, teammate and Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford talked about how well the American-born player is playing right now. "There's not too many players like him that come around. He could be the best American player of all time and he's still young," he said.
