ST. PAUL, Minn. -- First the good news: Patrick Kane's NHL debut for the Blackhawks was a smashing success Thursday night, at least according to his coach, Denis Savard.
''He was tremendous, the best player on the ice,'' Savard said. ''That says a lot about the kid. He'll be fun for our fans. Those who saw the game at home saw something special, because that's what he is.''
Unfortunately, Kane's good play was overshadowed by his team's 1-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild and a shoulder injury to star winger Martin Havlat that appeared anything but minor after the game. Havlat was hit from behind by Minnesota's Eric Belanger during a battle for a loose puck in front of the Wild goal late in the game. Havlat skated off holding his right shoulder with 3:01 left. He underwent X-rays before leaving the Xcel Energy Center and was in obvious pain with his arm in a sling after receiving medical treatment.
Kane, 18, played nearly 17 minutes in his first game Thursday. Savard gave him 21 shifts, and he got off two shots and won his only faceoff playing on a line with veterans Yanic Perreault and Jason Williams.
''I felt pretty good out there,'' said Kane, whom the Hawks took with the first pick in June's NHL draft. ''It comes down to working hard and playing with confidence, but it would have been nicer if we'd gotten the win.''
Kane, but not able 
10-05-2007, 04:34 PM
...I expect a 30 goal 70 point season from him...small but he has eyes on the back of his head.
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