There’ll be plenty of nostalgic good feelings for Kane, who ranks third in Blackhawks history in goals (447) and second in assists (779) and points (1,226). He has 1,401 points (509 goals, 892 assists) in 1,372 NHL games with the Blackhawks, Rangers and Red Wings.
Kane scored his 500th NHL goal on Jan. 8 and broke Mike Modano’s record for points by a United States-born player with No. 1,375 on Jan. 29. He reached 1,400 points on April 13.
He was also named one of the 100 Greatest Players in NHL history during the League's Centennial celebration in 2017.
Kane, who signed a two-year, $16 million contract ($8 million average annual value) on July 23, had his first goal back with Chicago in a 5-2 season-opening loss at the Vegas Golden Knights on Sept. 29.
“It'll be pretty awesome,” Blackhawks coach Jeff Blashill said. “Obviously with what Patrick has been for this organization, what's he's been a part of, the run that that group has been on, and he was obviously a huge, huge piece of it, and for him to come back, for him still be a really good player and have the chance to wear the Blackhawks uniform again, it's a special thing.
“I think the night will be special for any of us involved. But with that also said, you certainly want to use that energy. As he has mentioned multiple times, he didn't come back for a victory lap. He wants to win hockey games.”
Chicago (0-3-0) enters Tuesday still looking for its first win after beginning the season with road losses at Vegas, the Utah Mammoth (6-0 on Oct. 1) and the Buffalo Sabres (4-3 on Saturday).
“If that’s the middle of the season and you’re 0-3, maybe you just brush it away and say, ‘That was the tough one,’ but obviously it’s the first three games of the season, so it means a little bit more,” Kane said. “So, let’s get a win tomorrow and get ourselves feeling good. I think that would be huge for this group, getting a win, then move on, move forward and gain some confidence in that.”
A win would make for an even more special night for Kane, who has talked about being “home” again ever since he re-signed with the Blackhawks.
On Tuesday, he truly will be.
“Coming back here, I think especially as a road player you circle those games on the calendar and make sure you’re going to play good that night and nothing’s going to stop you from playing good that night,” Kane said. “No bounces, no energy, nothing. It’s an exciting game to play. I think it’s the same attitude you go into tomorrow, right? Nothing’s going to stop us.
“We’re going to make sure we get the job done and no matter what happens out there, things are going to go our way. All that other stuff’s great. It’s awesome, it’s emotional for yourself, for the fans, stuff like that, but I think you use that to your advantage. Use that for your adrenaline and make sure you come out and play a good game.”
