Blackhawks

The Blackhawks’ youngest player turned 21 on Thursday. Patrick Kane celebrated quietly. ‘‘I was expecting little pranks, but it’s been pretty low-key,’’ Kane said. ‘‘For your 21st birthday, you usually do it up pretty good. Everyone says that once you turn 21 you don’t want to get any older. It’s a good feeling. You get a little bit of freedom, but it comes with responsibility. You’ve got to be smart with what you’re doing.’’ Kane had a goal and an assist through two periods Thursday to extend his goal-scoring streak to four games and his point streak to eight.

The big contract extensions apparently coming soon to Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith could be a distraction to the Blackhawks as they begin a six-game trip tonight against the Calgary Flames. None of the players want that.

It's no secret that Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman wants to sign Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith to long-term contracts before they become restricted free agents after this season. The Hawks still would have the right to match offers any of the three might receive from other clubs if that happened, but all three strongly stated after practice Tuesday that they want to remain with the Hawks for the long term.