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Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane Excelling As Team USA Captain

By John Aubert

HERNING, DENMARK - MAY 07: Patrick Kane of Team USA during the game between USA and Germany on May 7, 2018 in Herning, Denmark. (Photo by Marco Leipold/City-Press via Getty Images)
HERNING, DENMARK - MAY 07: Patrick Kane of Team USA during the game between USA and Germany on May 7, 2018 in Herning, Denmark. (Photo by Marco Leipold/City-Press via Getty Images) /
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In the midst of the drama of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, some are turning their heads to the 2018 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Denmark. If you’re a Chicago Blackhawks fan, you should be, too, as Patrick Kane is excelling as  captain of the fabled Team USA.

There was no doubt Patrick Kane was going to accept the offer to play on Team USA this spring, as he and the Chicago Blackhawks were doomed for an early trip to the driving ranges. When Kane was offered the chance to play with the captaincy position, which he has never had in his professional career, he had to hope it was going to be a special ride.

Kane has had the pleasure of playing for Team USA in the Winter Olympics the 2010 (silver medal) and 2014, as well as in the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, when he served as alternate captain to Joe Pavelski of the San Jose Sharks.

Through four games of this IIHF tournament, Kane has one goal and four assists, aiding Team USA to a 4-0-0 record. Not only is he excelling in helping his teammates, but he’s truly making the most of this experience on the ice with comfort.

Kane has been one of the fastest, agile and remarkable forwards on the ice for Team USA. He’s been able to find open areas on the ice, force pucks into tight areas, make remarkable passes to his teammates and score some beautiful goals. Don’t believe me? Check this out:

IIHF tournament different for Kane this year

This time around, this international tournament seems to be different for Kane. He’s likely prideful of the position that’s been handed to him, but there’s something more that seems to be pushing him to make noise and stack up the stats. Can you guess?

The IIHF tournament is Kane’s Stanley Cup Playoffs right now. As an elite, high-scoring powerhouse in the NHL, you’d kill to be playing in the conference final and trying to advance your team to the Stanley Cup. Knowing Kane, who isn’t fond of losing, he wants to win this tournament for Team USA to make up for a disappointing season. He wants to prove he can be a great leader on a team full of amazing talents, which is much bigger challenge.

Next: 'Hawks Still Definition Of Modern-Day Dynasty

Either way, win or lose, Kane is going to make the best of this experience. This tournament is going to help him grow, and that’ll definitely be seen when he hits the ice next fall in the good ol’ black and red.

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