10 Observations: Patrick Kane, Brandon Hagel Net Hat Trick in Blackhawks' Win

10 observations: Kane, Hagel net hat trick in Blackhawks' win originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Blackhawks defeated the New Jersey Devils 8-5 at the United Center on Friday.

Here are 10 observations from the win:

1. We haven't had many high-scoring affairs at the United Center this season but this one was. The Blackhawks let a couple leads slip away but eventually pulled away in the third period against a Devils team that was playing its second of a back to back. The win ended a seven-game home winless skid for the Blackhawks.

2. This was one of those games where Patrick Kane was feeling it. And he typically has some extra pep in his step after he scores. He netted his 10th NHL career regular-season hat trick — his second of the season — added an assist, and finished with 11 shot attempts (six on goal). He also led all skaters with 1:14 of offensive zone possession time, per Sportlogiq.

3. Brandon Hagel played in his 100th career NHL game and he’ll remember this one for a while. He scored his first career hat trick and a brawl ensued afterwards because P.K. Subban tripped him on the breakaway: "I have a clear-cut breakaway. Like, what are you going to do? It’s a dirty play. He can do what he wants but it’s not going to get you very liked around the league, that's for sure."

4. Prior to Friday, the Blackhawks were 1-for-19 on the power play in their last seven home games. So naturally, they scored three power-play goals in the second period alone in this game. Go figure, right? A much-needed confidence boost in that department.

5. The Blackhawks allowed seven high-danger chances at 5-on-5 in the first period, per Natural Stat Trick. They gave up five in the next two periods combined. That's a high number, but the offense bailed out the defense. How many times have we been able to say that this season?

6. Kevin Lankinen made his first start in more than a month after suffering a right hand injury against Minnesota on Jan. 22. He was tested early and often. Fourteen of the 36 shots he faced came from the slot. He looked a bit rusty, as expected, but the Blackhawks had his back.

7. This is a quote from Alex DeBrincat after morning skate: "I think my passing ability is probably not up to par. I can definitely work on that.” Well, he followed that up by recording three assists, and one of them was a terrific pass on Kane's first goal. He has four assists in his past two games after having just 12 in his first 51.

8. This was a great play by Kirby Dach, who scored his eighth goal of the season. Everybody in the building thought he was going to pass the puck to Hagel — who was looking for a hat trick — but he kept it himself, showed great patience and made a nice move to beat Jon Gillies.

9. The Blackhawks were down two of their top four defensemen in Calvin de Haan (right groin strain) and Jake McCabe (lower back). They nearly lost Connor Murphy in the second period after he took a high hit but he returned later in the period.

10. Quote of the game from Hagel on whether his trade value increased after scoring a hat trick: "Two firsts, a couple prospects, [Connor] McDavid maybe..." Amazing response.

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