Patrick Kane is expected to miss 12 weeks after having surgery to repair a broken clavicle. This would mean he will be out until at least May 20, well into the Stanley Cup playoffs. Kane is tied for the NHL lead with 64 points and ranks in the top 10 in goals and assists. Kane's absence will have a significant impact on the Chicago Blackhawks' ability to score.

Since coming into the league in 2007, Kane has 557 points, eighth most in the NHL. In that time, Kane has a 61.7 SAT (formerly known as Corsi) for percentage when on the ice, third among right wingers with at least 5,000 minutes of ice time. When Kane is on the ice, the Blackhawks are better able to control the puck, which gives Kane time to utilize his best skill: shooting.

Kane is among the best shooters in the NHL, as his shooting percentage has been well above the league average in each of the past three seasons.

While Kane does most of his damage close to the net, he also shoots well above the league average from most spots on the ice.

Kane excels at getting into the slot and finishing when he gets there. The hextally chart included shows Kane's shooting percentages relative to the league average over the past two seasons. The darker red hexagons in the slot area indicate Kane shoots much better than the league average in high-scoring areas, and he shoots above the league average from just about everywhere on the ice.

While Kane excels as a shooter, he is not as strong in other areas offensively. Among Blackhawks players with at least 500 even-strength minutes of ice time this season, Kane ranks 12th in scoring chances created per 60 minutes. His teammates have excelled in this area, creating 29.0 scoring chances per 60 minutes in even-strength ice time, fourth in the NHL. Prior to Kane's injury, the Blackhawks were averaging 2.8 goals per game, 10th in the league.

Without Kane, the Blackhawks should still be able to generate a high number of scoring chances, though they might find trouble in finishing those chances. Kane's 14.5 shooting percentage leads the Blackhawks by more than a full percentage point, and Kane is one of six Blackhawks skaters with a shooting percentage above the league average and at least 500 minutes of ice time.

As the Blackhawks continue to push for the playoffs, other forwards are going to have to capitalize on the high volume of scoring chances they are creating, especially in even-strength ice time. One such forward who needs to begin capitalizing is Patrick Sharp, who has scored two goals on 363 shots (1.8 percent) in even-strength ice time this season. Without progress going forward, the Blackhawks might struggle significantly on offense.