Patrick Kane glided across the ice, lifting his stick in acknowledgment, and as he circled the rink, the roar of the crowd swelled with each lap. The spectators continued their thunderous cheers as the game resumed, and the decibel level spiked once more when Kane’s image appeared on the overhead screen.
“Showtime” had returned, and the allegiance of the fans seemed to transcend team loyalties, disregarding the fact that he was now playing for one of Chicago’s traditional rivals.
Kane made his much-anticipated return to Chicago’s United Center on Sunday, this time donning the Detroit Red Wings jersey, marking his first game against the Blackhawks since being traded to the New York Rangers a year prior.
The 35-year-old winger, renowned for his flashy style and dubbed “Showtime,” boasted an impressive record of 446 goals and 779 assists in 1,161 regular-season games with his former NHL team.
True to form, Kane delivered a stellar performance once again. He notched a goal and an assist in Detroit’s 3-2 victory, sealing the deal with a breakaway goal just 1:43 into overtime.
As he celebrated his winning shot, Kane jubilantly exclaimed, “Showtime!” with arms raised high while the packed United Center crowd of 21,141 erupted in cheers.
“Scoring that goal, being back here, being on a different team, just a lot of emotions right now,” reflected Kane, who extended his points streak to eight games with five goals and seven assists. “Just tried to show the fans there at the end they’ll always have my heart here.”
Coinciding with Kane’s Chicago homecoming was the Blackhawks’ retirement ceremony for Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Chelios’ No. 7 jersey. Chelios, who also had a stint with the Red Wings during his illustrious career, paid homage to Kane during his speech, hailing him as hockey’s greatest American-born player.
“That jersey looks kind of funny, Kaner, but it’ll grow on you,” joked Chelios. “And don’t worry, it’ll work out in the end. You’ll be standing here, same as me.”
The crowd erupted into thunderous applause at Chelios’ words, and another round of cheers ensued as Kane was announced in Detroit’s starting lineup.
During the first TV timeout in the opening period, the Blackhawks aired a tribute video, prompting cheers even before it began. Kane visibly moved, waved in appreciation as the crowd’s applause persisted.
Reflecting on the moment, Kane expressed his gratitude, saying, “Just so special. You don’t expect anything less from the Blackhawks with the tribute.”
Kane’s journey back to Chicago has been marked by a successful stint with the Red Wings after becoming a free agent following his tenure with the Rangers. Despite undergoing hip resurfacing surgery in June, he has amassed an impressive 12 goals and 16 assists in 27 games with Detroit.
“It’s been great. I have nothing but positive feelings and emotions being here,” Kane remarked about joining the Red Wings. “Really enjoyed my time here. I think the group’s been great, the coaching staff, everyone just giving me the chance to come in here and fit in and find my game.”
Drafted by Chicago as the No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft, Kane made an immediate impact, earning the Calder Trophy for NHL Rookie of the Year with 21 goals and 51 assists during the 2007-08 season. This marked only the beginning of his remarkable career.
Teaming up with Jonathan Toews and defenseman Duncan Keith, Kane played a pivotal role in propelling the Blackhawks to their most successful era, clinching the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015, with a Western Conference Final appearance in 2014.
Reflecting on those glory days, Kane mused, “When you go through it, you don’t realize how lucky and appreciative you can be.”
The Blackhawks, however, have faced challenges in recent years, leading Kane to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate the trade with New York last year.
“It was a great run,” Kane acknowledged. “I think we were kind of at the point in time when it was, I think for the organization and myself, it was probably good to start fresh and just enjoy something different.”
