Sid Ranks 'Em All: Patrick Kane's Top Moments
In “Sid Ranks Em’ All” you get to read our resident Chicago sports historian, Sidney Brown's, unique take on the best and worst of sports with specific lists spanning all playing fields.
Here Sid takes on his specialty, Chicago Blackhawks hockey, and salutes its current franchise player, Patrick Kane, who cemented his place in history this week with his 1000th NHL point.
The hits just keep on coming for Chicago's current hockey pride and arguably the top star in the National Hockey League -- Mr. Patrick Kane.
Since his debut in 2007, Kane has electrified fans across the globe with his speed and skill, which have left opponents in a daze. We've seen Kaner mature as a man through his 13 years in Chicago. Every move of his hasn't been the best, but with the Hawks' sweater on its hard to argue that Kane hasn't been anything but exemplary.
There have been countless moments in regular season games and dozens of postseason games throughout Kane's career where he's proved himself to be among the most important Hawks ever and one of the best NHL players of his era.
As the former kid from Buffalo and his franchise celebrates the historic achievement of his 1,000 career points as a pro, I felt it necessary to list my top five Patrick Kane moments of all time.
5) 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs 2nd Round vs. Vancouver Canucks - Game 6: A big welcome to the national stage for Kaner, who scored his first career hat trick to eliminate the Hawks' biggest rivals at the time on their way to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995.
4) 2013 Western Conference Finals vs. Los Angeles Kings - Game 5: In this back-and-forth affair the Hawks were in a tough fight to gain control of the series where a trip to the Finals was on the line. Kane scored two goals, including a seemingly go-ahead goal in regulation. The defending champs tied the game late to force overtime.
In the second overtime session, Kane brought things to an end with a one-timer off a pass from Jonathan Toews, giving him another playoff hat trick.
3) 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs 1st Round vs. Nashville Predators - Game 5: With the series deadlocked at 2-2, and with the Predators leading this game 3-2 late in regulation, Kane delivered the game-tying goal, which provided hope to the Hawks in front of a tense home crowd. Of course, Marion Hossa delivered the game-winner in overtime and the rest was history.
The Verdict: Game 5 Win Over Nashville Charted Course for the Cup (Blackhawks.com)
2) January 19, 2020 vs. Winnipeg Jets: Kane tallied an assist on Brandon Saad's 13th goal of the year to record his 1,000th career point in the Hawks' win Sunday evening. The later celebration with his teammates, very classy and priceless, would make any fan proud.
1) 2010 Stanley Cup Finals vs. Philadelphia Flyers - Game 6: Looking for the franchise's first cup since 1961, the then-young Hawks battled the Flyers through 60 tough minutes in this potential clincher, carrying the fight into the extra session.
Superstars are made through rising in big moments. Kane proved his superstar stock by delivering the goal (sorta) seen around the world as it flashed to its spot stuck in the back of the net in Philly, clinching the long-awaited Stanley Cup for the Original Six franchise.
Blackhawks Franchise Points Leaders
Stan Mikita (1,467)
Bobby Hull (1,153)
Denis Savard (1,096)
Patrick Kane (1,001)
Steve Larmer (923)
Jonathan Toews (799)
Point Breakdown (Career)
Even Strength (677)
Power Play (322)
Shorthanded (1)
1st Period (328)
2nd Period (335)
3rd Period (309)
Overtime (28)
With numerous records achieved, along with three Stanley Cups atop his resume, the door to the Hockey Hall of Fame is wide open for #88.
What's to come for arguably the greatest Blackhawk ever and the greatest American born player ever? We'll just have to tune in and watch for more potential history in the making.
Bonus
My thoughts on Instagram after the Hawks welcomed the legendary Coach Q, Joel Quenneville, back to Chicago on Tuesday night with the Florida Panthers. Make sure to follow me on IG for more Hawks talk and other fun!