Three Key Players For The Blackhawks Against The Ducks
Patrick Kane
May 5, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane (88) is slow getting up after a hit during the first period against the Minnesota Wild in game three of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
On February 24th the city of Chicago collectively held their breathe as Patrick Kane grimaced in pain after falling awkwardly into the boards. The diagnosis was a broken clavicle and a possible return date at the time appeared to be the second or third round of the playoffs if Chicago could make it that far. Kane had other plans however as he returned for game one of the opening round against Nashville.
Anaheim Ducks
Kane has not missed a beat since returning from injury as his 1.3 points per game in these playoffs put him behind only Corey Perry (1.66 points per game) and Ryan Getzlaf (1.33 points per game). Kane’s outstanding production in these playoffs should come as little surprise due to how well he was playing during the regular season before being injured. Kane was on his way to becoming the first american born player to ever win the Hart trophy, an award given to the NHL’s most valuable player during the regular season. In 61 games Kane had 27 goals and 37 assists, numbers that would have drastically increased if he was not injured.
Kane is clearly playing some of the best hockey of his career making him arguably the most dangerous player for Chicago. Like Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau, Kane possesses unbelievable speed to go along with great hands that lead to remarkable play making abilities. Speedy forwards proved to be a problem for the Ducks defense during the regular season making Kane a primary concern for Anaheim.
To Help Chicago Win Patrick Kane Must…
For Chicago it is simple… get Kane the puck in open ice. If Kane can find room to operate he will surely use his play making abilities to destroy the Ducks young defense. The Ducks miscommunicated on defense far too many times against Calgary in the second round and if this same miscommunication reoccurs against Chicago, Patrick Kane and company will end this series quickly. Kane’s incredible awareness allows him to sneak behind the defense at the perfect time and if the Ducks are caught napping, Kane will make Freddie Andersen fish pucks out of the net all series long. Chicago’s success starts with Kane and Kane’s success will start with his speed and quickness giving him room to operate.
To Stop Kane The Ducks Must…
Patrick Kane is a world class player. It will take more than one player to stop him, it will require all five guys on the ice to constantly be aware of his presence. The Ducks must use their home ice advantage in games one and two to generate the match ups they want against Kane. Whether it be Kesler and Silfverberg or Thompson and Cogliano, everybody must do their part to take away time and space from Kane. The game plan for Kane should be similar to how the Ducks managed Johnny Gaudreau, with overly physical play. Kesler, Thompson and others will need to finish checks early, especially in game one, to send a message. The Ducks can not allow Kane to dance through the neutral zone, they must be quick to swarm him. The Ducks defense must communicate, as one mistake could cost them the series when Kane is on the ice. To stop him, the Ducks young defensemen must play like veterans and use their skating ability to keep Kane in check.
Next: 2- Duncan Keith