Another Era starts on the WEST side?

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 6, 2007 11:56 PM CDT

I'd suggest you get your #88 Patrick Kane jersey soon. The Blackhawks' 19-year-old #1 draft pick, a 62-goal scorer last year in junior hockey capped a stirring comeback, as the Hawks beat Detroit 4-3 in an overtime shootout Saturday night at the UC.

Kane was responsible for the only goal in the shoot-out -- making veteran goalie Dominick Hasek appear to be the rookie! Kane, with 2 quick dekes, had the puck behind Hasek before he knew what hit him.

Kane may be the fastest skater and the most natural talent in Blackhawks red since both Denny Savard and Chris Chelios skated at the old barn, across the street.

Even the FSN Detroit broadcast team was started at the acceleration Kane displayed:
"...my goodness, look at that kid skate!" Were the surprised words from the Red Wings color man.

I have no idea if the Blackhawks are going to make the playoffs. Losing Martin Havlat in the first game was bad news. That's a lot of offense out (again) for an undisclosed time.

But -- Patrick Kane may be worth the price of admission of a Blackhawks game. He's enough to get excited about Chicago NHL hockey for the first time in 10 years.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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If they hold a hockey game...

... and no one comes, did it really happen?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Oct 7, 2007 4:04 AM CDT reply actions

Dont forget about Jonathan Toews

he was the hawk's first round draft pick and third overall in 2006. imo he has more of an upside than kane mainly because of his size. either way the hawks have a couple of potential franchise players.

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid%5B%5D=93829

*diehard cubs fan from northern manitoba, canada

by hoppy91 on Oct 7, 2007 8:00 AM CDT reply actions

I love it

Anytime anyone can make "Dominick Hasek appear to be the rookie"

Good luck to the Hawks in 07-08!

The Cubs Are On Their Way!!

by DenverCub on Oct 7, 2007 12:13 PM CDT reply actions

Just trying to drum up

some optimism about my second favorite sport after another dismal night on the north side. Since the Bears, unfortunately -- will be toast after tonight -- and I'm not a big NBA fan any more, I'm looking for something to hang my cap on.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-071006hawks,1,2600494.story

18,768 at the UC. On a night where the Cubs were playing in the playoffs, that's quite a crowd. Once word gets around about Kane -- I expect the crowds to perk up, on average. (I would hope 5 figures would be the norm rather than 9K) Of course, with about 2 home games telecast on Comcast, that doesn't help matters on luring people out to see a budding star.

Toews seemed to have limited ice time last night. (I barely remember any of his shifts) But Kane jumps off the page, and not just because of that shoot-out move.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Oct 7, 2007 12:29 PM CDT reply actions

Well...

... were there actually 18,768 at the UC, or was that just the "tickets sold" number?

I'm guessing the latter.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Oct 7, 2007 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions

no, that was probably the real #

Red Wing fans, while smelly, stupid and extremely childish, are rediculously loyal and follow them everywhere.....especially Chicago. There was probably 7 to 8 thousand Red Wing fans there last night.

"I can't be held responsible for what I personally tell my goons to do...."- C. Montgomery Burns

by yahoodi on Oct 7, 2007 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions