Kane off to stellar start for Blackhawks

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CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Blackhawks are on top of the NHL, and Patrick Kane is a big reason why.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 draft has raised his game to a new level, adding improved defense and focus to his extensive offensive repertoire. He is tied for second in the NHL with 21 points while Chicago remains the league's only team without a regulation loss heading into Sunday's nationally televised visit by the Kings.

Kane cautions it's too early to draw any conclusions about his fast start, but he's pleased with the first quarter of the lockout-abbreviated season - for himself, and his streaking team.

He says: "You want to just keep improving and keep getting better.''