Patrick Kane Is Dominating the NHL This Season

Not only did Patrick Kane just set the Chicago Blackhawks' franchise record yesterday by extending his point-scoring streak to 22 games, but he's undoubtedly the best player in the NHL so far this season. 

In addition to holding the longest point-scoring streak by an American-born player, Kane currently leads the NHL in assists (26), is tied for points with Erik Karlsson (42), and is putting up an impressive +/- of 12 on a surprisingly underperforming Blackhawks squad currently sitting in fourth in the Central Division of the Western Conference. 

The main offensive-related statistical categories demonstrate that Kane has been the most consistent offensive threat in the NHL so far this season.  

Kane also shows himself to be an impact player via his league-leading peripheral stats. For instance, he leads the league in Goals Created (15.7), Goals Created Per Game (0.58), Offensive Point Shares (5.1), and is tied with Justin Faulk for first in power play goals (9). 

Also, the significant puck possession metrics indicate that the Chicago Blackhawks will most likely live and die by Kane's performance. So far this season, his Corsi For % and Fenwick For % are 56.2% and 52.4%, respectively. Meaning, the Blackhawks are in possession of the puck in scoring situations more often than not when Kane is on the ice. 

Combine this with a 100.1 PDO (13.5 team on ice shooting percentage + 90.7 team on ice save percentage) when Kane is on the ice, and the Blackhawks play up a few notches when their star is out there playing.

Patrick Kane already seems to be the front runner in the race for the Hart Trophy and, at this rate, you would be surprised if anyone is able to catch up to him.