Patrick Kane exits after 2nd period vs. Tampa Bay originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The Blackhawks announced at the start of the third period against Tampa Bay on Tuesday that Patrick Kane would not return to the game. The team called it a medical update, so it appears to be injury-related.
Kane recorded two shots on goal and logged 12:57 of ice time through two periods before exiting. He leads the Blackhawks with 27 points this season.
After the game, Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson called it a lower-body injury for Kane, who is being evaluated by the training staff. The team expects to have more information on Wednesday.
"Nothing huge or major, but just felt it a bit and then he felt that it came on more today," Richardson said following the 4-1 loss to the Lightning. "Just thought it was better to hold him out in the third and get him checked over.
"He just felt pain, that he wasn’t stable. Didn’t want to hurt it any more, which is a smart move I think by him and us to keep him off. He gave it a good try, and we needed him tonight."
Richardson said Kane's injury is related to a hit he took in Sunday's 5-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks. It's unclear whether this is the play he's talking about, but Kane appeared to be in some pain after absorbing a hit from Evgeny Svechnikov late in the third period:
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The NHL trade deadline is exactly two months away, and Kane's name is going to be near the top of everyone's trade board. The Blackhawks are smart to take a cautious approach with his injury, even if it's a minor one.
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