Coach Q: Kane has elevated his game

Ever since his arrival in town, Patrick Kane has been the center of attention.

After moving back from wing to center, No. 88 is once again the center of attention — at least in the eyes of his coach.

“Since he’s been at center these last three games he’s elevated his game to a level that makes us a better team,” Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “His speed, his puck possession — it seems like he s got the puck more.”

Kane has 3 points in those three games, including the game-winner Sunday against Detroit. But it’s not just what Kane’e provided on the ice that has Quenneville pumped.

“He’s welcomed this opportuniy to show some leadership for our team here and he’s responded playing center and the way he’s playing,” he said. “He’s doing very well in the middle. We’re excited. Hopefully when (Johnathan Toews) gets back we’ll have some decisions to make — which we’re looking forward to.”

Razor’s edge:

Hawks goalie Ray Emery was named the NHL’s third star of the week. Emery went 3-0-0 with a 1.13 goals-against average and .959 save percentage.

Emery has a 14-8-2 record with a 2.58 goals-against average and .909 save percentage in 28 appearances.

Hammer and Tazer:

Neither Jonathan Toews nor Niklas Hjalmarsson will be in the lineup Tuesday against St. Louis, but there was some progress reported on both fronts.

“(Hjalmarsson) is going to be out but he’s still progressing,” Joel Quenneville told reporters after Monday’s practice.

As for Toews, who will miss his eighth straight game, Quenneville said the Hawks captain “had a good day off the ice. He worked and he’s fine.”

Don’t forget:

The premiere of the film “Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita — Monuments to Excellence,” will take place at the IMAX Navy Pier Theatre on Wednesday.

Following Wednesday’s invitation-only premiere, “Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita — Monuments to Excellence” will run at the IMAX Navy Pier Theatre though March 31. Screenings are free and seats can be reserved on chicagoblackhawks.com.