Over the summer, the Chicago Blackhawks traded Artemi Panarin, and everyone was wondering what it would mean for Patrick Kane. Who would be Showtime’s new partner?
This Nick Schmaltz pass was so good, even Patrick Kane was blown away
The Blackhawks have a new dynamic duo.
Terrence Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Enter young forward Nick Schmaltz, who reminded us of his talents Thursday in a 5-1 win over the Jets with a no-look pass so ridiculous even Kane seemed blown away after it happened.
First, the pass itself, which is the kind of thing most players wouldn’t even try:
Not only does Schmaltz know exactly where to put this pass despite looking in the other direction, but he manages to put the puck directly on Kane’s stick. Connor Hellebuyck and the Jets defense didn’t stand a chance.
Kane’s celebration afterward pretty much says it all:
You get the sense that Kane was thinking, “Damn, I thought I was the only one on the team capable of doing that.”
Schmaltz, a 2014 first-round pick by the Blackhawks, fell a bit under the radar following a middling rookie season, but he’s off to a strong start this year with 19 points in 28 games. Since early February, Schmaltz has recorded nine goals and 31 assists in 54 appearances.
The 21-year-old is playing nearly five more minutes per game as he’s carved out a top-six role, and it’s not difficult to see why. Even though his play away from the puck and decision-making have been works-in-progress, he’s always been a gifted playmaker with an almost supernatural passing ability.
