While the Los Angeles Kings have enjoyed such strong work from their second line that it’s inspiring sitcom-related nicknames, the Chicago Blackhawks are hoping for more from the likes of Patrick Kane. In other words, they’re hoping that history repeat itself.
Sure, it’s unsettling that the 25-year-old star hasn’t generated a single point in three games against Los Angeles, but he only produced one assist through Games 1-3 of the 2013 Western Conference finals against this same opponent.
Starting in Game 4 in 2013, Kane began a rampage that helped him secure the Conn Smythe Trophy. He scored a goal in Game 4 against the Kings before generating a hat trick - including the series clincher in double overtime - to advance Chicago to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Blackhawks winger almost seems to become more dangerous as postseasons progress; He capped a great 2010 playoff run by scoring eight points (three goals, five assists) in the last four games against the Philadelphia Flyers to win Chicago’s first Stanley Cup of the Kane - Jonathan Toews era. (That included Kane’s odd and memorable Cup-clinching goal against Michael Leighton, of course).
Let there be no doubt about it; Kane seems concerned.
Jonathan Toews says Patrick Kane tends to be extra hard on himself when he isn't scoring. #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) May 25, 2014
Still, there have been some chances ... they just haven’t been resulting in goals.
Coach Q on Kaner's lack of offensive output recently: "He's been a threat, he's been dangerous."
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) May 25, 2014
The solution? Kane believes that he needs to assert himself:
Patrick Kane, on what he needs to do to get back on track: "Demand the puck. And when I do get it, be confident with it." #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) May 25, 2014
The Kings know from experience that Kane can take over a game or even multiple playoff games when he gets going. The Blackhawks seem confident that he can pull it off again.