Chicago Blackhawks Over/Under Preview

Feb 29, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) is congratulated by his teammates for scoring a goal during the second period against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

This season has the potential to be great for Chicago Blackhawks fans, and we’re all eager to see our healthy superstars and well-practiced Rockford boys on the ice again. But if I had to choose one that I was the most excited about, it would be Patrick Kane.

Last season, Kane barely got a pass on his 2011-2012 summer report, having the lowest point totals of his professional career. Switching positions from wing to center, back and forth, all season could have affected his consistency in generating points. But even with all of that, he still showed that he was a valuable hockey player, and none more so than when the Captain and his good friend Jonathan Toews was out with a head injury for the last quarter of the season. Kane revealed some leadership capability and helped guide the team safely into the playoffs, but failed to score any goals while there, contributing four assists in six playoff games.

After some off-the-ice antics and trade rumors over the summer, Kane spent the lockout playing in the Swiss league hoping to bring himself back to his 2009-2010 Stanley Cup season form. In 20 games played for the Swiss club, Kane racked up 13 goals and 10 assists – some in ways that made every NHL fan curse the lockout a hundred more times.

Although it is a different league overseas, I think Kane is trying desperately to show fans and the Blackhawks organization how much he is committed to the game. I’m optimistic about his recovery from a little slump last season and say his over/under is 24 goals, 21 assists.

What’s your prediction for Kane this season?

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