When Patrick Kane sat down for a podcast with Pat Boyle of CHSN, you knew it was going to get a lot of play. On top of Boyle being one of the best in the business, Kane doesn’t do media away from the rink very often, so this was a special listen.
In addition to talking about Connor Bedard, the conversation revolved around the current-day Blackhawks in other aspects. The topic of new head coach Jeff Blashill came up, and Kane had some nice things to say.
"He's gonna be someone that holds the players accountable," Kane said about Blashill. "He's the perfect coach for the young group they have."
Everyone needs to be held accountable, not just the depth players. Blashill, according to Kane, will be hard on anyone, despite their status on the team or in the league. He compared it to Bill Belichick coaching Tom Brady hard, which made everyone else realize they meant business.
The Chicago Blackhawks need a boost from their head coach. With Blashill's experience in the game of hockey across all levels, he knows what it takes to be a part of a winner. Chicago has the talent. Now they need the structure.
Kane believes in Blashill, and he knows what is needed from a coach as well as anyone. With three Stanley Cups, tons of regular season success, and his trophy case full, Kane has an idea of the necessities needed for a player in the game of hockey.
Kane's experience being coached by Blashill includes two IIHF World Championship Tournaments with Team USA. He knows all of these things from what he's seen with his own eyes, not just what people have told him. Time will tell if Kane's assessment comes to fruition with Chicago.
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