Kane practiced with Blackhawks teammates on Wednesday. Photo from the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Kuc via Twitter.
After a 66-point season, that many felt was beneath him, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is anticipating what could be a breakout performance on par with his 88 points in the 2009-2010 season. When that will happen is anyone’s guess, including his.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday after an informal practice with former and current Blackhawks teammates, Kane gave his thoughts on the lockout.
“It’s frustrating because you feel like you have nothing going on and you’re just waiting, it’s almost like you’re laid off or something. Not that you view it that way, I don’t think any of us view it as a job. We all love playing hockey and trying to entertain fans and trying to get wins for the Blackhawks.”
“But at the same time, when you’re just waiting around and training camp’s supposed to be right around the corner and you’ve got nothing set, it’s definitely a little frustrating. But it’s always nice coming out here skating with some guys. We had a good skate today and there should be some more in the future. But hopefully not too long.”
After a rocky and well-documented start to the offseason, Kane kept a low profile, training more than he had previously. “I’ve skated a lot more this offseason and looking back to when I was the best I was, I skated a lot,” Kane said. “There would be times throughout the summer I’d be on the ice three, four or five times a week. That’s what I tried to get back to … and just be on the ice a lot more.”
Coincidentally, he employed the same offseason training prior to the 2009-2010 season.
As for his plans during the lockout, he’s going the “wait and see” route, like teammate Jonathan Toews. He might possibly be waiting to see if the season is cancelled to make a decision.
“When that time comes, I don’t know when that will be, or where I’ll be, or who I’ll be with. But at the same time, it’s something you’ve got to look at,” Kane said. “We all don’t want to be just sitting around waiting for something if nothing’s going to happen. The summer’s been long enough. It’s nice to be out there skating, but we all want to play hockey. We’ll see what happens.”
This could be the best season of Patrick Kane’s career. It’s just a matter of where, and how soon the magic happens.
