Chicago Blackhawks Morning Links: Could Kane Lead Blackhawks?

HERNING, DENMARK - MAY 17: Patrick Kane of the United States celebrates after he scores the opening goal during the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Quarter Final game between United States and Czech Republic at Jyske Bank Boxen on May 17, 2018 in Herning, Denmark. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images)
HERNING, DENMARK - MAY 17: Patrick Kane of the United States celebrates after he scores the opening goal during the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Quarter Final game between United States and Czech Republic at Jyske Bank Boxen on May 17, 2018 in Herning, Denmark. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images) /
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Patrick Kane continues to lead by example in the World Championship, leading to the thought of him playing a similar role with the Chicago Blackhawks

On Thursday, Team USA defeated the Czech Republic 3-2 in the quarterfinals of the IIHF World Championship, improving the Americans’ record to 5-2-0-1.  Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane scored two goals, giving him 19 points in eight games of the tournament.

Kane spoke to the media following the game about being offensive at this point in his career and the fun the team is having being successful.

Team USA will play Sweden in the semifinals on Saturday.

This past week, there has been some conversation about rumors involving Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews.  We aren’t going to get into the possibility of him being traded because it probably isn’t going to happen, but we can talk hypothetically.  In the event of Toews’ absence, can Kane lead the Chicago Blackhawks?  I believe the answer is yes.

Although Kane rarely wears a letter on his jersey for the ‘Hawks, it seems that as he has aged, he has taken on more responsibility.  Kane has been open about mentoring young players on the Blackhawks, and now he’s doing the same on Team USA.

He has been in the NHL for over a decade, and now young players come into the league telling him he was their favorite player growing up.  And he’s not even 30 yet!  The point here is Kane has been there and seen it all, and has been very durable doing it over the years.

This idea isn’t to slight Toews or send any messages.  If anything, the Blackhawks’ core has a lot more leadership than what shows on paper.

Rockford update

The Rockford IceHogs arrived in Texas on Thursday, a day before they begin the Calder Cup Conference Final against the Texas Stars.  The IceHogs will host Game 3 in Rockford on Tuesday May 22.

Have a great weekend!

-Blackhawk Up

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Morning links