(Video) Duncan Keith Slash on Charlie Coyle; Dumba & Shaw Fight

You can watch the video here.

First, Chicago Defenseman Duncan Keith's dirty slash on Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle is unacceptable. I know that the Blackhawks fans are going to disagree with me, but there's no excusing that dirty slash. That's an intent to injure. Nothing Coyle did justifies being slashed like that, Keith could have severely injured Coyle with that gutless act.

Hopefully, the NHL will hand down a harsh sentence. Keith should receive at least a five-game suspension. However, because Keith is a Blackhawk and a star player, he will probably get a one-game suspension if we're lucky. If I was the head of Department of Players Safety, it would be at least a 10-game suspension. This is a bush league act and there's no excuse for this.

Apparently, Patrick Kane can't fight is own battles. First, the hit by Matt Dumba on Kane was a clean, hard, legal hit. (You can take a look for yourself). Nice Dumba beat Andrew Shaw, it was a good fight.

Matt Dumba hit on Patrick Kane

When I look at this hit, I see a suspension coming for Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba. First, the hit was high, the head looked like it was targeted.

Second, the hit in question was on a star player. Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is a star player and the league doesn't take to kindly to its star players being hit like this. Lucky for Dumba, Kane when down the tunnel but came back. Suspension worthy?

UPDATE: No Suspension.

Explanation of Dumba hit on Kane https://t.co/3voVffXOs1

— Anthony LaPanta (@AnthonyLaPanta) March 21, 2016

Patrick Kane will not face rape charges

In America you innocent until proven guilty. Chicago Blackhawks All-Star forward Patrick Kane has been cleared and will not face criminal charges for rape. Now, Kane and the Blackhawks can move forward.

Jared S. Hopkins and Stacy St. Clair, Chicago Tribune --- Blackhawk's star Patrick Kane will not face rape charges after a three-month investigation into a woman's claim that prosecutors concluded was "rife with reasonable doubt."

In a strongly worded statement Thursday morning, Buffalo-area prosecutors offered a withering assessment of the woman's allegation, saying there was no proof that she had been raped. They also suggested that Kane never behaved as if he had committed a crime — though he never spoke with authorities and has maintained an unusually low profile since the investigation began.

Without providing details, Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III said there were "significant material inconsistencies" between the woman's claims and those of other witnesses. He also said the physical evidence and forensic evidence "tend to contradict" her allegation that a rape took place in Kane's bed — where she apparently said it occurred.

The Buffalo News: Patrick Kane unlikely to face criminal charges

It looks like Patrick Kane isn't going to face criminal charges for rape. Through out, Kane has maintained his innocence and it appears that he was telling the truth.

Dan Herbeck, The Buffalo News: Nearly three months after a local woman told police that Patrick Kane raped her in his Hamburg home, it appears no criminal charges will be filed against the Chicago Blackhawks hockey star, according to three sources closely familiar with the investigation.

Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita III declined to discuss his plans for the case, but other sources said doubts have emerged about the woman’s allegations and make criminal prosecution highly unlikely.

The three sources also said they do not believe the case will be presented to a grand jury.

“This case is going nowhere,” one knowledgeable source told The Buffalo News when asked about the possibility of criminal charges.

“I was told … the case will be administratively dismissed” without being presented to a grand jury, a second knowledgeable source added.

Will Kane Make it to Training Camp?

Right now it appears that won't happen. It will be interesting to see how this turns out. Will Jonathan Toews' wing man play with the Chicago Blackhawks this season? Stay tuned.
Per Mike Harrington, Buffalo News:

Losing endorsements like being on the cover of a video game is one thing. Getting held off the ice is something else entirely. And that’s where the Blackhawks and the NHL are going to be left with no choice.

The case of the sexual assault allegations against Kane looks like it could be going to a grand jury, although chatter about settlement talks surfaced some last week. Justice is on one schedule and it has to be followed. But hockey has its own schedule and that has to be followed, too.

The Hawks are slated to train for three days at the University of Notre Dame beginning Friday. Their annual Training Camp Festival is Sept. 21 in the United Center, featuring a scrimmage. The crowd is easily expected to be more than 10,000.

Kane can’t be there.

The NHL is already smartly distancing itself from one of its most prominent players. Kane wasn’t part of Tuesday’s kickoff media tour in Toronto, held annually by the league with national outlets and rights holders. The official word, of course, was that players are rotated and this year’s Chicago representatives were Toews and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Duncan Keith. Riiiiight.

Kane's Agent Say he's Innocent

You can only hope that Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kanes is innocent. Time will tell.

Per Scott Powers, ESPN Staff Writer:

Pat Brisson, the agent for Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane, said Tuesday he believes Kane is innocent of any crime as Kane continues to be investigated in an alleged sexual assault at his home in Hamburg, New York.

“I totally believe [Kane],” Brisson said by phone. “He’s always been honest with me. I’ve known him for a long time. I’ve been doing this a long time as a sports agent. You get to know people and get to know the character of an individual. Spending more time with Patrick over this situation, I do believe he is innocent.”

Brisson confirmed that a grand jury had been scheduled to begin meeting Tuesday, but the proceedings were postponed. A source told The Associated Press that hearings have been pushed back by about two weeks.

Agent: I 'totally believe' Patrick Kane is innocent in assault case http://t.co/9n8RFDW7St

— ESPN Chicago (@ESPNChiHawks) September 9, 2015

Person familiar with investigation to AP: Grand jury postponed in Kane assault investigation http://t.co/OAgWgdLT9g #ottsports

— Ottawa Citizen (@OttawaCitizen) September 9, 2015

Much unknown in Patrick Kane investigation amid r... http://t.co/0EEin8j90s #Blackhawks | https://t.co/ideb6i43hZ pic.twitter.com/BNgqT11Y2s

— Blackhawks Fans (@Black_HawksFans) September 9, 2015

Blackhawks Forward Patrick Kane grand jury investigation postponed

According to the Chicago-Sun Times, the Patrick Kane grand jury investigation has been postponed. One has to wonder if this is the end of this case?

Per the Chicago-Sun Times:

A grand jury investigation into the allegations made against Blackhawks star Patrick Kane has been abruptly postponed, a source told the Sun-Times, confirming a report in the Buffalo News. The Buffalo News report suggested that a settlement could be in the works between the attorneys for Kane and the alleged victim, but the Sun-Times’ source could not confirm that.

Kane has been at the center of an ongoing investigation by Hamburg, N.Y., police and the Erie County district attorney in Western New York for more than a month. The 26-year-old has not been charged with a crime, but the Buffalo News had reported that subpoenas had been issued and that witnesses would be meeting with the grand jury starting Tuesday. The grand jury would then decide whether there was enough evidence to charge Kane.

Interesting Read on Patrick Kane Situation

Criminal investigations take time, the wheels of justice move slowly. Almost at a snail's pace. If I had to guess, I would say that this investigation probably won't be over when training camp starts in 36 days. As an NHL fan, you hope that the allegations against Patrick Kane aren't true. Obviously, you're innocent until proven guilty.

David Haugh, Chicago Tribune -- They also realize — with training camp only 37 days away — the time could come soon when they will have to make an uncomfortable decision about Kane's status that puts them in a no-win situation. Buffalo-area legal experts told the Tribune it could be weeks before forensic test results come back. It could be even longer before the Erie County District Attorney decides whether to file criminal charges.

What do the Hawks do if Kane remains in legal limbo as the Sept. 18 reporting date nears? The only way they avoid that Catch-22 is if the DA announces in the next month that no charges will be filed. But if Kane faces charges or the investigation remains open, the Hawks face a dilemma in which both sides of the debate can be defended.

Here's my side: In the post-Ray Rice era of professional sports, a first-class franchise such as the Hawks cannot allow a player facing serious allegations to represent it until more clarity about the case exists. That clarity could come sooner rather than later in Kane's case, but it is missing now.

The thing about setting a standard of excellence as high as the Hawks have is living up to it; no single player, not even a living legend, can compromise that commitment to integrity.

(UPDATED) The Buffalo News: Patrick Kane Possible Subject in Rape Investigation

View image | gettyimages.com

This story broke earlier this morning. Chicago Blackhawks All-Star forward Patrick Kane is the subject of a rape investigation. It's still very early in the investigation, and there are very few details on this story. Also, keep in mind, in the USA, you're innocent until proven guilty.

From The Buffalo News:

Hamburg police are investigating an incident reportedly involving Patrick Kane, the Chicago Blackhawks star, two sources with knowledge of the probe have told The Buffalo News.

** UPDATE: Sources: Kane is target of rape investigation **

Two sources said Hamburg police officials have forbidden their officers and detectives from publicly discussing the investigation.

“We can neither confirm nor deny the existence or nonexistence of a criminal investigation until such a time as a person is charged with a crime,” said Hamburg Police Chief Gregory G. Wickett.

Per Deadspin:

Update, 10:28 a.m.: WKBW-TV in Buffalo cites sources claiming police are “investigating an alleged incident involving...Kane and a woman that began at a bar in Evans.”

Report: Patrick Kane subject of Buffalo-area police probe (The Hockey News)

Patrick Kane subject of police investigation; no charges filed (ESPN.COM)

TMZ Reports: Patrick Kane Rape Investigation Launched (TMZ.COM)

Report: Patrick Kane subject of sexual assault investigation in New York (SI.COM)

Blackhawks' Patrick Kane subject of police investigation in New York: report (Chicago Tribune)

Patrick Kane story from @TheBuffaloNews with latest details: http://t.co/SAMxLt2RFT

— Tim Graham (@ByTimGraham) August 6, 2015

Tonight at 11: latest on the Patrick Kane investigation; Plus, how new contract could affect future Buffalo police. pic.twitter.com/zKZATibA6K

— News 4, WIVB-TV (@news4buffalo) August 7, 2015

Chicago Blackhawks: Toews and Kane get paid

#494772349 / gettyimages.com

For their efforts, former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are now locked into some nice, fat contracts that will make them very rich men. In my opinion, this is what a post 2013 lockout contract will looks like. It will be interesting to see what kind of issues the Blackhawks have with salary cap.

Chris Kuc, Tribune reporter -- Two of the NHL’s top players aren’t going anywhere after Toews and Kane agreed to terms on identical eight-year, $84 million contract extensions Wednesday, likely ensuring the Hawks will be Stanley Cup contenders for the next decade or so.

Hawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz, President John McDonough, general manager Stan Bowman and the rest of the Hawks’ hierarchy recognized and rewarded their young forwards’ rare talent with contracts that will carry salary-cap hits of $10.5 million per year apiece — the highest in league history — when they kick in beginning with the 2015-16 season.

That combined $168 million dedicated long term to two players carries cap implications that Bowman will have to work his way through when he assembles future rosters.

Toews and Kane: Blackhawks through 2023. Both agree to an eight year, $84 million contract extension. #Hawkstalk pic.twitter.com/EAtkKTHONv
— Crosstown Tickets (@crosstowntix) July 9, 2014

2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is on fire

Right now, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is on fire. He's smoking hot. Kane has (2g-6a—8pts) in the last three games. Incidentally, Kane came into game five with a single point during the third round. Since then, he has gone a tear the last two games. Scoring (2g-5a—7pts). For the playoffs, Kane has scored (8g-10a—18pts) in 18 games.  

(Video) Chicago Blackhawks: Duncan Keith and Patrick Kane ice the Kings - game six

Think about this for a minute, in the last two games, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane has scored (2g-5a—7pts) and been an absolute beast against the L.A. Kings. Coming into game five, Kane had scored 1 assist, in the other four games of the series. This has been a very good hockey series and it's only fitting that this series is going to a game seven.

11:34 CHI Duncan Keith (4) Wrist shot - ASST: Patrick Kane (10), Andrew Shaw (5) 3 - 3 Tie
16:15 CHI Patrick Kane (8) Wrist shot - ASST: Brandon Saad (9) 4 - 3 CHI

(Video) Chicago Blackhawks score two goals in 1:37 - game 6

The Chicago Blackhawks scored two quick goals 1:37 minutes apart in the opening minutes of the second period to take a 2-1 lead in game six.

Kane is smoking hot, and in the last two games has scored (1g-4a-5pts).

01:12CHI PPG - Patrick Kane (7) Wrist shot - ASST: Jonathan Toews (8), Brent Seabrook (10) 1 - 1 Tie
02:49 CHI Ben Smith (4) Wrist shot - ASST: Patrick Sharp (5), Brent Seabrook (11) 2 - 1 CHI

(Video) Chicago Blackhawks: Michal Handzus scores the game-winning goal - game 5

That's the first ever overtime game-winning goal that Chicago Blackhawks forward Michal Handzus has scored and I guess he picked a good time to score it. Patrick Kane assisted on four-of-five Blackhawks goals. So, we will have hockey on Friday night in L.A.. I still think that the KIngs will this series. Nonetheless, this was a great hockey game.

Well that was one amazing hockey game. #LAKings return home to finish this up Friday night.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) May 29, 2014

NHL Hockey: Evolution of the game?

#490625631 / gettyimages.com

I have said in the past, that players that score 30 goals and fight will be a premium some day. I still stand by the assertion. The one dimensional goons (that can only fight) are going to be a thing of the past. Moving forward, in the years ahead, players will need to actually play hockey and contribute to their team in some way.  The John Scotts of the world are going to be on the NHL's unemployment line, very soon. There will still be fighting, just less of it.

Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe -- But it takes an agreement to fight. If a skilled team doesn’t have a slugger, the opponent’s tough guy has no dance partner. Through attrition, the fighter is becoming irrelevant. Heavyweights such as Thornton, Scott (Buffalo), Micheal Haley (Rangers), George Parros (Montreal), Mike Rupp (Minnesota), Cam Janssen (New Jersey), Steve MacIntyre (Edmonton), Ben Eager (Edmonton), Paul Bissonnette (Phoenix), and Kevin Westgarth (Calgary) will become unrestricted free agents this summer. Some of these players may be on their final NHL contracts.

“The fisticuff trend — this doesn’t characterize Thorty as just a fighter, because he’s contributed on that line and that line has had a lot of success in the past — we’re definitely trending away from that style,” Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said.

The Bruins are in transition. Thornton is doubtful to return. Paille and Campbell will enter the final year of their contracts. This could be the beginning of refreshing the fourth line to keep pace with Chicago’s innovation.

Paille is a good No. 4 left wing. He’s fast, kills penalties, and is good in battles. Justin Florek could replace Thornton on the right side. Florek is big and smart. He’s strong on the walls. He can also kill penalties.

Minnesota Wild: Erik Haula scores a sweet goal in game six (Video)

Minnesota Wild forward Erik Haula scored a beautiful goal against the Chicago Blackhawks in game six of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Blackhawks would win the game and series in overtime with a goal from Patrick Kane.

During the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Haula gave us a glimpse of things to come and tells us that the future is very bright for the Minnesota Wild hockey team.

02:29 MIN Erik Haula (4) Wrist shot - ASST: Matt Cooke (3), Clayton Stoner (2)

Toews goal against the Wild

#488188615 / gettyimages.com

Exhibit A: This is what they mean by going hard to the net. Getting to the blue pain. I thought this goal was a back breaker. The much maligned, and rightfully so, Minnesota Wild goalie Ilya Bryzgalov makes a beautiful initial save on Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa. That play would have been great, but the poor defensive effort by the Wild defenders allowed Jonathan Toews to crash the net and cash in on the rebound at the side of the net.

Hawks Take Series in Six

When the first round playoff match-ups were finally set, I knew right away that the Blackhawks and Blues series would be the best one in the first round. The teams didn't disappoint.

Game one and two opened up in St. Louis, and the fans were treated to two exciting Blues wins. It didn't get much better than game one either. In a game that would go back and forth, the fans would get their money's worth as the game would end very early into the third overtime. Alexander Steen would be the game one hero, but this game would set the pace for this exciting series.

Then came the controversy in game two. St. Louis Blues captain David Backes (Spring Lake Park, MN/ Minnesota State Mankato) would take an elbow to the head from Blackhawk defender Brent Seabrook, knocking him out for the rest of game two, along with games three and four. Seabrook wold get a three game suspension for the hit, but left both fan bases with a sour taste in their mouths. St. Louis would now be down their captain, and Chicago is out of their top defenseman.

Chicago just kept pushing forward, even though they were down 2-0 in the series, but now had the advantage of being back in the Madhouse on Madison. With Chicago looking to get into the win column, and would do that via a Corey Crawford shutout. Captain Jonathan Toews would net the game's first goal, and the game winner, just 4:10 into the first period, and the game would become a very grinding defensive battle. Marcus Kruger would get the insurance empty netter to seal the 2-0 victory

Overtime would be needed once again in game four, in another contest that could have gone either way. The Blackhawks scored the first two in the contest, Andrew Shaw and Patrick Kane, but the Blues would push back and score three unanswered and Vladimir Tarasenko putting the Blues ahead 3-2 with about 7:30 left in regulation. However, the Chicago never say die attitude kicked in, and would get a few good looks at goalie Ryan Miller before Bryan Bickell would tie the game with just under four minutes to play, and the roof went off at the Madhouse. They now had the crowd on their side going into overtime and used it to their advantage. Half way through the first overtime, Patrick Kane and Ben Smith would have a rush up the ice int the offensive zone with Patrick Kane taking the puck up the left wing. Smith would charge the net, drawing the defenders off of Kane so he could take the shot, and he buried it for the winner in another very exciting game in the series that is now tied and headed back to St. Louis.

The story line for game five would be the return for Blues captain David Backes after missing the previous two games due to injury after the Seabrook elbow. Probably not playing at 100%, just having the presence of your captain in your line up can be enough to spark a locker room. That's exactly what the Blues needed after losing two straight in Chicago. Once again, this game would take overtime to find a winner in this very tightly battled series. Once again, the Blackhawks would look at their captain to come in clutch in overtime. Toews would get sprung on a breakaway and would slide the puck behind Miller to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 series lead, and put them in complete control going into game six.

Today's game was just straight up Chicago Blackhawks domination once the third period came around. Bryan Bickell and TJ Oshie would exchange goals in the first and that's the score that would hold up until very early in the third period. The Blues completely outplayed the Blackhawks in the second, but most of that was due to the Hawks penalty box door being open the whole period, but couldn't find a way to put the puck behind Crawford. At the end of the second, the Blackhawks would finally get their first power play opportunity, which would carry over to the start of the third. Just 44 seconds into the final frame, who else, but Jonathan Toews would light the lamp and put the Hawks up 2-1. There was no looking back from there. Chicago would rattle of three more goals off of the sticks of Patrick Sharp, Andrew Shaw, and Duncan Keith, to solidify a 5-1 game six victory and a 4-2 series win.

If I got anything out of this series, is that the Blackhawks have their playoff form from last year. This team is dangerous and has all of the tools for a repeat. The Hawks can sit back and relax for a short time and see whether they draw the Wild or Avalanche in round two.

As for the Blues, a lot of people thought that this was a team that could go deep into the playoffs this year, especially after how strong they were in the regular season, and in games one and two. However, late season injuries, and a semi struggling Ryan Miller cost the Blues and sent them home to the golf course earlier then they would have liked.

Overall, this was a very exciting, physical, fast, and skillful series to watch and will be one that is talked about for years to come. A bounce here or there, and St. Louis could be headed to round two, or at least to game seven back home in their barn.

(Video) Patrick Kane wrist shot OT goal

You might not have seen it last night, but this is a dirty game winning goal by Patrick Kane against the St. Louis Blues in overtime. Out of 14 games, the visiting team has only won one game.

USA Hockey: Patrick Kane misses twice on the Penalty Shot (GIFS)

s/t NESN Coming into the Bronze Medal game against Finland, Chicago's Patrick Kane was 1-for-11 in the shootout this year. According to the NBCSN broadcast, the only goal that he had was against Tukka Rask. Now he's 1-for-3 against Rask.