Kane And Panarin, Blackhawks' New Dynamic Duo

The Chicago Blackhawks have a new dynamic duo in Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin.  No, that doesn't mean Jonathan Toews isn't worthy.  He is still the best Captain in the NHL and any fool would know to take him to start a franchise.  Yes, even over Patrick Kane.  On that awkward note...

Kane became the first U.S.-born player in NHL history to win the Art Ross Trophy for most points in a single season.  He is the first Blackhawk to win the award since Stan Mikita did it in the 1967-68 season.  He is the 4th Blackhawk to win the award: Mikita ('63-'64, '64-'65, '66-'67, '67-'68), Bobby Hull ('61-'62, '65-'66), and Roy Conacher ('48-'49).

Kane had a career year as he set personal bests in goals (46), assists (60), and points (106).  Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars, who won the award last year, finished second to Kane with 89 points.

During the year, Kane had a 26-game scoring streak, an All-Time Blackhawk record and a U.S.-born player record.  He ended the year scoring his 250th career goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday.  It would be unfair to say that Kane could have done any of this without Russian-phenom, Artemi Panarin.  

Panarin is a very strong candidate to win the Calder Trophy going to the Rookie of The Year in the NHL.  Panarin had an impressive rookie year racking up 77 points, (30G, 47A).  Although Panarin is 23 and has played in Russia's KHL, he is eligible for the Calder Trophy, being that this is his first full season in the NHL (sorry Conner McDavid and Jack Eichel).  By the way, Patrick Kane won that award in the '07-'08 season.  When Panarin came over from Russia, he was dubbed the Russian Patrick Kane.  They were right.

With the addition of Artem Anisimov at center, who chipped in with 42 points (2 off from a career high), this trio is one of the deadliest lines in all of hockey.

Let's hope going forward, that, if healthy throughout the playoffs, this group can bring home some more hardware, Lord Stanley's Cup!

LET'S GO HAWKS!!!