Chicago Blackhawks' Kane joins the 40-goal club

Forty-goal scorers in the NHL are a dying breed.

Last year, only Washington's Alex Ovechkin, Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos and the Rangers' Rick Nash achieved that milestone.

This year, that list also includes just three names: Ovechkin, Dallas' Jamie Benn and the Blackhawks' Patrick Kane, who notched his 40th goal during the Blackhawks' 5-4 win in Winnipeg on Friday.

"It's huge (to reach that number), especially in this modern era," Marian Hossa said. "It's tougher and tougher because goalies are bigger, better, faster."

Kane became the first Blackhawks player to reach 40 goals since Tony Amonte scored 43 during the 1999-2000 season. He also recorded an assist Friday, meaning he has 96 points on the season. With 4 more points, Kane can become the first Hawk to hit 100 since Jeremy Roenick in 1993-94.

A few other players have a chance to hit the 40-goal mark this year, including San Jose's Joe Pavelski, St. Louis' Vladimir Tarasenko and Stamkos. They all have 36.

Nine years ago, 11 players reached that milestone 40 and that number has declined or stayed even every season since.

Kane's previous career high was 30 goals in 2009-10.

"He's coming to the prime age where he's confident that he can beat the guys and be the difference maker," Hossa said. "When the confidence is there, he can pick corners, he can shoot anywhere. And also when he doesn't pick a corner the puck seems like it's going in for him because good things happen when you're hot."

Crawford returns to the ice:

Corey Crawford was back on the ice Saturday before the Hawks practiced at Johnny's IceHouse West. The Hawks' goalie, who has missed the last eight games, worked out with goaltender coach Jimmy Waite for about 25 minutes. He did not participate in practice.

"Big first step here and I think he did a good job with it," coach Joel Quenneville said.

Quenneville added that he expects Crawford to return to practice soon and he could get into at least one game before the postseason begins.

Shaw/Hossa updates:

Andrew Shaw, who suffered an upper-body injury during the Hawks' win in Winnipeg on Friday, will not play Sunday against Boston. The injury is not serious, and he remains day-to-day.

Marian Hossa will play against the Bruins after missing Friday's game due to illness.

"I just lay at home, low key, but right now I feel much better," Hossa said. "Pretty good practice today, so ready to go."