The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday evening, but the success was overshadowed by the death of forward Patrick Kane. Kane left early in the first period after taking two hits from Toronto’s Pontus Holmberg and was declared out for the rest of the game. Head coach Derek Lalonde has offered an update on Kane’s status, stating that he will not play in the next two games.
Kane was forcibly checked into the boards by Holmberg, who then took him down, falling awkwardly on his hip. Wincing in pain, Kane made his way down the tunnel to the dressing room.
Following today’s practice, as the Red Wings prepare to face the Florida Panthers tomorrow night, head coach Derek Lalonde said that the entire degree of Kane’s injury is yet unknown. Lalonde also confirmed that Kane will not play against the Panthers or the following game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
“It’s a lower-body injury unrelated to his hip,” Lalonde clarified. “He will not be available for this trip. We’ll return to Detroit, get a better feel, and provide an update after the trip.”
Kane, who joined the Red Wings in late November, has effortlessly assimilated into the squad and has proven to be a wonderful match for Detroit in his short time there.
“Kane has exceeded our expectations,” Lalonde remarked. “He’s everything we dreamed for and more. To be that healthy, if you will, and to have such a significant improvement in his game following surgery has been quite remarkable. He’s been a major catalyst for our attack. It’s terrible that we won’t have him for a while because he’s really starting to take ownership of the group. He is a leader based on his professional achievement. Patrick is doing well.
As previously said, Kane has settled in well with the Red Wings, scoring 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) in 19 games. He resembles the player who achieved the 90-point milestone barely two years ago.
The Red Wings and Panthers will face off tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. Fans can witness the action with television coverage on Bally Sports Detroit and radio coverage on 97.1 The Ticket.
Leave a Reply