The Chicago Sun-Times headline for Patrick Kane's return to Buffalo is "Halo-Goodbye," a witty and appropro look at the area's favorite son and his Buffalo blemish -- a summer dust-up with a 60-year-old cabbie that tarnished his reputation in the city.
It doesn't change the fact that Kane is on pace for career bests in goals and assists in his third NHL season. The former No. 1 overall pick has 28 points in 29 games, posting a plus-rating (7) for the first time in his career.
Still, it's the first time since Kane's summertime blues that the young star will suit up for the visitors at HSBC Arena, and there won't be a ceremony with a standing ovation like his first trip back. Forget the crime, the Sabres will be looking for a win over a very good hockey team. The Blackhawks' 41 points are good for second in the Western Conference, even though Chicago's played three less games than No. 1 San Jose.
It will be the first NHL face-off between Kane and fellow South Buffalonian Tim Kennedy. The hard-nosed-but-slight rookie forward has eight points and 30 penalty minutes in 28 games for Buffalo.
It's also Brian Campbell's return to Buffalo. The defenseman asked local fans "please don't boo me" when he returned to town, and he'll learn Friday whether they've been sweating his return (excessively).
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