Kane knows it's time to get his offense going
Patrick Kane doesn't need to be reminded that he is off to a slow start, especially when compared to teammates Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp, who have combined for 15 of the Blackhawks' 29 goals.
“It seems we have two guys going right now in Hossa and Sharp,” Kane said Tuesday. “I think most of us, especially myself, you want to take it upon yourself to start helping those guys out and start producing. Enough's enough.”
Kane has 2 goals (both on the power play) and 5 assists in nine games and is a team worst minus-7. He was part of the shake-up at practice Tuesday, where coach Joel Quenneville juggled all four of his forward lines ahead of Wednesday night's game against Los Angeles at the United Center.
Kane was dropped to the third line and will skate with Dave Bolland and Viktor Stalberg.
Jonathan Toews will center for wingers Patrick Sharp and Jack Skille on the first line, while Tomas Kopecky moves from wing to center on the second line between Hossa and Troy Brouwer.
Fernando Pisani and Brian Bickell drop to the fourth line with center Jake Dowell.
“We tried to keep a little balance to all the lines and a different look,” Quenneville said. “We'll see how it goes.”
Perhaps a change of scenery will help Kane, who hasn't scored or defended well at even strength.
“I think 5-on-5, at both ends, we're looking for more,” Quenneville said. “I think he's been good on the power play and our power play has been effective.”
Kane has only 22 shots on goal in nine games.
“It's early in the season and there's a lot of season left so hopefully I can turn it around quickly,” Kane said. “It just seems like whether it's from being sick or the amount of games or just not playing as good as I should, you can make a lot of excuses, but really when it comes down to it there are none.
“I should be playing better, I know that. I should be producing more offensively and creating more chances, too.”
Kane doesn't see playing with Bolland as a demotion.
“I'm fine with my line right now,” Kane said. “I think Bolley is s great player and a great passer and someone who can get you the puck, and he's really good in his own end.
“You've seen him with some players before and they've really clicked. Arguably the best line a couple years ago was him and (Martin) Havlat and (Andrew) Ladd. Hopefully it's one of those situations where we can hit it off right away and hopefully produce.
“I think (Quenneville) is trying to find the right combinations. It seems like some players have some chemistry going right now and some players need to get going. As far as our team jelling, we still have a little bit of ways to go. Hopefully it all comes together sooner than later.”
Quenneville said Kane isn't the only forward who needs to pick it up, especially defensively.
“I think everybody should have that mentality that we've got to play on both sides of the puck and both sides of the ice,” Quenneville said. “When we make that commitment we're going to get back to where we have to be. It's not him, I'm saying everybody.”