Update: The Blackhawks announced Kane underwent successful surgery to repair a clavicle fracture and he is now expected to miss 12 weeks.
Patrick Kane expected to miss 12 weeks
Chicago will be without its star forward for up to three months.
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago Blackhawks entered Tuesday's contest against the Florida Panthers hoping to right the ship after losing five of their last seven. They came away with a much-needed shootout win, but, more importantly, lost their leading scorer in the process.
A first period cross-check from Florida's Alex Petrovic sent Patrick Kane flying awkwardly into the boards, forcing the start winger to leave the game immediately. He did not return following the collision, and Petrovic was assessed a two-minute minor for the hit.
We’re still waiting on an official prognosis, but it’s not looking good.
Source says injury to #Blackhawks' Patrick Kane is "not good. At all."
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 25, 2015 Another source said #Blackhawks' Patrick Kane will be sidelined more than six weeks and possibly up to 10-plus weeks.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 25, 2015 According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the concern is Kane injured his shoulder/collarbone area, and no one wants to put a timeline on his recovery -- at least not yet. That may change quickly, though.
It goes without saying that losing Kane for an extended time would be a huge blow to Chicago. The 26-year-old currently has the most points in the NHL with 64 (27 goals, 37 assists), and is a candidate for the Hart Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s MVP.
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