4 Chicago Blackhawks in the spotlight: How Patrick Kane and Max Domi are fueling each other’s hot streaks

Patrick Kane and Max Domi starred in the Chicago Blackhawks’ 4-3 win against the Dallas Stars Wednesday.

The Hawks racked up their eighth multi-goal comeback win — extending a franchise high — and have gone on a four-game winning streak. Three of those opponents would make the NHL playoffs if they started today.

Coincidence is providence in the case of Kane and Domi. They are both on hot streaks a week before the March 3 trade deadline, which is why they’re two of four Hawks players in the spotlight.

Kane scored two goals against the Stars, but he almost had two hat tricks in the last three games — and he might want to take that up with his linemate Domi.

The duo went on a 2-on-1 rush in the third period and Domi had Kane open, but with two trailing defenders closing fast, Domi kept it and scored.

But expect no complaints from Kane, as his line has been on fire. They’ve generated seven goals in 5-on-5 play over the last five games, and Kane has seven goals and three assists in his last four.

“Even if our line has shifts where nothing happens, that’s OK,” he said. “We just stick with it and we know that sooner or later something is going to happen. All three of us have a chance to make good plays and capitalize when we get those chances. It’s been good playing with those guys lately.”

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Especially with Domi.

Over a four-game span, they produced nine straight points together, which ended with Kane’s second goal of the second period Wednesday. That goal was assisted by Philipp Kurashev and Seth Jones.

The Kane and Domi pairing matched Kane’s nine-point run with Marián Hossa from March 9-12, 2012.

What’s truly remarkable is the Kane/Domi streak was uninterrupted. Kane’s streak with Hossa was exclusive, but Hossa was involved in points without Kane during that stretch.

But unlike that season with Hossa, Kane and Domi’s time together may be limited. Both are targets for the deadline, with Kane’s the darling of trade buzz right now.

Kane just has to commit to a trade to his very exclusive list of destinations and waive a his no-movement clause.

General manager Kyle Davidson said during an NBC Sports Chicago appearance Tuesday: “We haven’t gotten to the point where we’re talking teams or anything that specific. I think we’re still getting to the point where we’re trying to figure out what the decision is for the deadline, whether he wants to explore something new or stick around.”

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Domi, who admired Kane from afar as a prospect, is readying himself in case they part ways.

“It really is remarkable what he’s been able to do in this jersey,” Domi told the Tribune. “He’s earned the right to make the decision of what he is going to do for the latter half of his career. Obviously, selfishly, we hope he stays.

“I love the guy. I love spending time with him. If he stays today, we’re going to be the happiest people in the world. But if he goes somewhere then we’ll wish the best and definitely cherish our time with him.”

If coach Luke Richardson hadn’t reunited Kane with Domi after Kane’s productive run with Jason Dickinson, who knows what might’ve been? The coach said Monday he always circles back to Domi and Kane “because the skill level is comparative.”

“For me, it’s an easy one to go back to with Domi and Kane. They like to play with each other. They realize they can both make plays to each other at the same level.”

That combination certainly paid off against the Leafs on Sunday, where Domi helped on all three goals of Kane’s hat trick, part of a four-point night for Domi.

Domi has never tallied nine straight points with a teammate like he’s done with Kane over the last four games. During the 2018-19 season with the Montreal Canadiens, Domi notched six straight points with Jonathan Drouin, but Domi had points without him during an eight-game span from Oct. 27 to Nov. 10.

Domi also matched a career-high eight points over a four-game span with the Arizona Coyotes (2017-18) and Montreal Canadiens (2018-19).

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This run with Kane must amplify trade buzz around him, just like it’s doing for Kane. But Domi will hear none of it.

“Every game is the same, to be honest with you. (The media) have to write about that but it’s just noise for us. Until the trade deadline or until that happens, we’re all Chicago Blackhawks and we’re making the most of the opportunity and trying to build something here, and right now we’re doing a good job of that.”

Before the road trip, Domi told the Tribune that “Kyle’s been pretty open with a lot of guys, which I respect. It’s really good of him to keep the boys in the loop and have conversations. But ultimately, he’s going to make whatever decision is best for this organization. And he’s got a plan and you’ve got to trust that that’s the right thing for this team.”

As for the level of interest in himself, Domi said, “It’s not really my place to disclose any conversations I’ve had with (the GM) but we definitely have had conversations regarding what’s happening.”

The rookie goalie looked like he might finally get shelled Wednesday when he gave up two goals just one minute, 19 seconds apart late in the first period, and then went down 3-0 to the Stars in the second.

But Stauber settled down and survived the last 7 minutes of the game when Dallas fired 11 of its 14 shots on goal — including one that came dangerously close but was confirmed as no goal after video review.

Richardson said that growing up the son of Robb Stauber, a goalie for the Los Angeles Kings and Buffalo Sabres, has prepared Jaxson.

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“Nothing phases him,” Richardson said. “He’s down 3-0 on the road against a really strong team with a lot of big bodies that play heavy in the crease. He was really solid. Even on the one they checked (on video) at the end, he was holding his post really strong there. That’s a sign of maturity for a young goaltender.”

The Hawks acquired the former Ottawa defenseman in a significant move for both sides: the Senators cleared $4.5 million in cap space and the Hawks got a second-round draft pick this year and a fourth-rounder in 2026.

“We’re pleased to afford Nikita a fresh start,” Senators GM Pierre Dorion said via the Ottawa Sun. “He’s a pro’s pro who showcased himself to be a caring teammate and quiet leader throughout his tenure.”

The seven-year veteran, who started his career with the Maple Leafs, provides a hedge against the Hawks trading another experienced defenseman in Jake McCabe or Connor Murphy.

Richardson said after the Stars game he didn’t know a lot about Zaitsev prior to the trade, but what he has seen, he’s liked.

“He played feisty and he moves the puck and (he’s) reliable. It’s always great to have reliable defensemen around,” he said. “Some of our people here heard from Ottawa and said he’s a great guy, everybody enjoys him and he gets along with everybody.”