CHICAGO, Ill – Chris Chelios had nonetheless issued a warning to Patrick Kane during the ceremony for the retirement of the great American defenseman’s jersey number 7.
“[Patrick Kane] will be considered the greatest American hockey player in history… But please Patrick, don’t steal the show from me tonight!” he laughed.
Kane, who has thrilled the United Center between 2007 and 2023, did not want to follow Chelios’ recommendation for his return against the Blackhawks, where it all began.
If the Hawks’ fans consider themselves lucky to have seen 644 points from him in their arena as a member of their favorite team, his 645th and 646th points obtained in front of their eyes on Sunday at least greatly contributed to the spectacle.
The No. 88 set up Alex DeBrincat’s equalizing goal – whom the Hawks also adored for a few seasons – late in the third period, before saving the best for last: nothing less than the winning goal in overtime.
That’s how the Detroit Red Wings, also a former club of Chelios, spoiled the party by winning 3-2.
The addition of Kane, 35, to the Wings’ lineup at the end of November continues to pay off, as the 2007 draft’s first overall pick now has 28 points on his record (12-16) in 27 games.
“It was strange to be on the other side obviously,” he admitted after playing the hero. “I was behind the play, and when I saw that we had regained possession of the puck, I took off. It was quite a feeling to have the puck in that situation, but I wanted to stay focused on what I had to do.”
“The whole evening was strange. It felt different, and I was trying to stay focused. When the tribute came, afterwards, I was able to focus on my game. There are a lot of emotions right now. To be back, to score that goal, and to be in the other locker room as well. I wanted to show the fans at the end that there will always be a part of my heart that will be here.”
Daniel Sprong also beat Petr Mrazek in Detroit’s victory. The Czech goalkeeper was unlucky when DeBrincat’s shot from the corner of the ice found a small opening to end up behind the goal line at 15:44.
Mackenzie Entwistle and Nick Foligno tallied in the second period against James Reimer, giving Chicago the lead, 2-1.
On Foligno’s goal, rookie Connor Bedard got his 40th point of the season in his 45th game. That’s the same number of games Kane needed to achieve it in 2007-2008.
“He’s good, he’s very creative, and he even went physical against me in the corner. Luckily for him, he has that bubble visor on his helmet or I would have gone after him,” he laughed.
The best in this chapter in Hawks history was Denis Savard (40th point in his 42nd game), ahead of Steve Larmer (43) and Jonathan Toews (44).
As for Chelios’ request before the match, Kane admitted that in the heat of the action, he had forgotten that he had a chance to bring all the attention back to him.
“It was a nice gesture. I had forgotten that it was a possibility after the mention of the other guys in the stands. He is a man of class and a long-time friend.”
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