Kane playing same game despite ever-changing Blackhawks linemates

CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane described how he has adapted to different linemates, be it Artemi Panarin, who played with him the past two seasons, or Nick Schmaltz, who is center on his line now.

"I know with Panarin, it was get on the weak side of the ice, try to do a lot of crossing passes and get his one-timer because he had such a good one-timer," he said. "With Schmaltz], you try to utilize his speed up the middle. That's something we can really take advantage of. And when we're in [the offensive] zone, it's just nonstop, go wherever, try to create space, create motion.
"There are little things you change, but for me personally, you just keep the same game."
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There's a reason coach Joel Quenneville wasn't that worried about who would play with Kane when the Blackhawks traded Panarin to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 23. No matter who Kane plays with, he keeps producing.
Kane, who will represent the Blackhawks at the 2018 Honda NHL All-Star Game at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET; NBC, CBC, SN, TVA Sports), leads Chicago in goals (20), assists (28) and points (48). He's done a great deal of that with Schmaltz, who has played left wing and center. He's also had center Artem Anisimov on his line.
In the previous two seasons with Panarin, Kane had 195 points (80 goals, 115 assists). That includes an NHL-high 106 points (46 goals, 60 assists) and the Hart Trophy as League MVP in 2015-16.
Patrick Sharp, Brandon Saad, Brad Richards, Kris Versteeg ...
The list of former Kane linemates goes on and on. But no matter who's with him, Kane remains productive.

"The thing that makes him so special is he wants the puck all the time," Quenneville said. "He sees plays, makes plays, has great strength, has a tricky and a quick shot. One thing about [Kane], when he has the puck he knows where everyone is on both sides and he can make all kinds of plays. His best trait is he wants the puck and wants to be the guy. That's why he's such a great player and gives us a chance."
He also makes linemates better. Schmaltz is second on the Blackhawks in assists (21) and points (33). Kane and Schmaltz worked together for a few weeks before training camp began.
"He just makes it a lot easier to play," Schmaltz said. "He creates a lot of time and space, he gets a lot of attention, so it opens up opportunities in lanes for other guys to take it to the net. He has such great vision. He finds guys and sets guys up a lot. It makes things a lot easier on everyone else on the ice."
With Schmaltz at second-line center, Anisimov has spent time on the third line this season. But he's still at his best with Kane, whose ability to hold on to the puck lets Anisimov get to the net for redirections and deflections at 5-on-5 and the power play.
"He likes to have the puck and can make plays from nowhere," Anisimov said. "You just need to be ready for the pass anytime because he can make that play. "It's so much fun to play with him. Just try to be open, create the space for him and do the little things."

Kane is five assists away from 500 in the NHL. He's already reached two milestones this season, scoring his 300th goal in a 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 23 and getting his 800th point in a 7-3 loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday.
"I think there's a picture after [the Devils game] and I don't think I look too happy with the puck," Kane said. "[Saturday], I didn't know I needed three to reach 800. I think [assistant coach Kevin] Dineen told me on the bench. It's tough to get them in losses, but it's one of those things where you're playing with a lot of good players, you're playing for a long time, and these things are going to come around. I've been fortunate to play with a lot of good players."
Kane is disappointed he won't be going to All-Star Weekend with a few Blackhawks teammates as he has in the past. After that, it's back to helping the Blackhawks try to climb the Central Division standings; they're in last place, seven points behind the Colorado Avalanche, who hold the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Western Conference, and Minnesota Wild.
Chicago's playoff chances may be in question, but Kane's ability to contribute, regardless of linemates, isn't.
"It's something where every day, being around him, you see how confident he is," Saad said. "It really doesn't matter who he's playing with. He's creating space and getting opportunities and finishing on them. He's a big part of our team and he's definitely fun to watch."