ESPN analyst says Patrick Kane's injury was blessing in disguise for Blackhawks

By David Just

Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks lays on the ice after being cross-checked as members of the Blackhawks and Florida Panthers tussle after the hit at the United Center on February 24, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

ESPN NHL reporter Pierre LeBrun is taking the Blackhawks to beat the Preds — and he likes the Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup.

Why? Patrick Kane’s injury, for one.

Kane enjoyed some rare time off during his recovery from a clavicle injury, and as frustrating as that was for him, the team and Blackhawks fans, it gives Chicago a “fresh star” now that Kane is ready to play in the postseason, LeBrun said.

“You talked about the grind of the teams that have played a lot of hockey, and the Hawks are one of those teams,” LeBrun said during a preview of the Western Conference playoffs. “That’s why I think it’s a bit of a silver lining for Patrick Kane and his injury. As painful as it was, he got time off the ice. He comes back, when he finally does play, a fresh star.”

Kane hasn’t played since suffering the injury on Feb. 24. He was originally given a 12-week timetable to return but could be back for Game 1 against Nashville on Wednesday.

Watch the full ESPN preview of the Central Division playoffs:

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