Kane Injury Mars Blackhawks Shootout Win

By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 25, 2015 3:30PM

Photo credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Blackhawks 3, Florida 2 (SO)
The Hawks earned two points at the United Center Tuesday night but it came with a price that could impact their postseason hopes. Patrick Kane, the team's leading scorer, left the game in the first period after an illegal crosscheck by Panthers forward Alex Petrovic.

The Blackhawks classified Kane's injury as an upper body injury; sources say Kane has a broken collarbone and could miss 6-10 weeks.

The Blackhawks were playing well before and immediately after Kane left the ice and held a 2-0 lead heading into the third period. That's when the Panthers gained momentum and forced overtime with goals by Jussi Jokinen and Vincent Trochek. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp lit the lamp in the shootout round while Scott Darling stuffed a shot by Nick Bjugstad to seal the win.

But the Hawks completely broke down in the third period again and allowed Florida back in the game. In the process, they allowed a visiting team to pick up another point at home and finished their eight game homestand with a 2-2-4 record. The talk after the game, however, centered on Kane.

Coach Joel Quenneville emphasized the team needs to step up in Kane's absence.

"[Kane is] having one of those years that are really noticeable, but you've still got to stick with it. You've got to go with what you've got and contribute as best you can. Playing the right way will be emphasized as we go along."