The Patrick Kane homecoming game started out just fine.
Kane - after being the focal point of a morning skate that drew about 1,000 fans and the pre-game puck drop ceremony that included his father and grandfather -- drew the game's first penalty and scored the first goal.
An opposing player never gets the cheers the way Kane did then, before a sellout crowd of 18,690 at HSBC Arena.
After that, though, things went downhill for the Blackhawks. Their power play wasn't working, and they couldn't solve Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller in a 3-1 loss to the Sabres.
For Kane it was a memorable night. He ended his 13-game goal draught and was named the game's third star. As far as the other Hawks were concerned, there wasn't much to say.
"It was a fun day, and it was nice to get that goal out of the way, too," Kane said. "Coming out for the third star, there was a good ovation. The support in Buffalo has been there, and it was nice to see it. It was probably one of the best nights of my life."
Kane Scores Goal In Return Home To Buffalo