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Blackhawks’ Kane named month’s first star

Patrick Kane was rewarded Tuesday for his big November by being named the NHL’s first star of the month.

Kane had 9 goals, including 4 game-winners, and 19 points to help the Blackhawks win 12 of 15 games. Kane had at least 1 point in 13 of 15 games, including six multi-point efforts, and he posted a career-long, 12-game points streak from Nov. 3-27.

“Sometimes you get on a streak and you get some bounces and things start to fall in the net,” Kane said. “Sometimes you’re not even playing your best hockey, but the numbers tend to be there and it looks like you’re playing real well. It was a nice little run to be on and it’s kind of sad when it’s over.”

Kane was a big factor in the Hawks’ 6-1 circus road trip.

“It’s a pretty cool honor,” he said. “It probably speaks more for what the team has been doing lately, and sometimes when your team is playing well you’re going to have some personal achievements along the way. I know some other guys had great months, so hats off to them, too.

“It’s been a good start to the season. You want to keep it going. There are certain things you want to turn around, whether it’s your defensive play or your plus-minus. You can always look and try to do more.”

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville thought Kane had a special month.

“He played great,” Quenneville said. “He’s had a great start to the season. The month of November he was outstanding and got the points streak going. It looks like he has the puck more than he has in the past. Every time he hits the ice he has the puck.”

The 25-year-old Kane went into Tuesday’s games tied for fifth in the league with 30 points.

Pittsburgh center Evgeni Malkin was named the month’s second star and Minnesota goalie Josh Harding was the third.

Handzus out again:Just four games into his comeback from an upper-body injury, center Michal Handzus had to sit out again Tuesday night against Dallas because he was sick. Handzus previously missed 14 games with the upper-body injury.Sheldon Brookbank filled in for Handzus on the third line at right wing. Brandon Pirri went from the third line to the second line to play with Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad. Pirri went the entire seven-game road trip without a point. He has struggled on the third line.#147;It#146;s not like that#146;s a defined role, him being a checker,#148; Joel Quenneville said. #147;No matter what line he#146;s on, we know what he#146;s capable of. We want him to progress defensively because we know offensively he#146;s going to be fine.#148;Outdoor game tickets:A select number of tickets to the March 1 outdoor game at Soldier Field between the Hawks and the Pittsburgh Penguins will go on sale to the public next week, the NHL announced Tuesday. Tickets will be available for purchase via ticketmaster.com/NHL and ticketmaster.ca/NHL, beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11.Tip-ins:Joel Quenneville said defenseman Michael Kostka (right foot) could come off injured reserve at any time. ... There#146;s a good chance Antti Raanta will start in goal either Thursday at Minnesota or Friday against Anaheim at the United Center. #147;He#146;s fit in real well. It#146;s nice to see him take advantage of the situation,#148; Quenneville said of the rookie, who has won both his starts.HKN39552437Stars center Cody Eakin, left, celebrates Valeri NichushkinÂ’s goal as the puck bounces back out of the net behind Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, in Chicago. Associated PressHKNHKN26041678Patrick Kane, second form right, had at least 1 point in 13 of 15 November games.Associated PressHKN

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