Los Angeles Times

WHAT WE LEARNED

Lessons learned from the past week in the NHL:

- — Helene Elliott

The first 6-0 trip in San Jose Sharks history seems to have quieted trade rumors that erupted two weeks ago over Patrick Marleau’s reported willingnes­s to waive his no-move clause to go to the Kings, Ducks or New York Rangers. Marleau passed 1,000 career points last weekend, only the 16th player to reach the milestone with one team. The Sharks’ recent success might persuade Marleau and team executives their best chance at the Stanley Cup is for him to stay put.

Although the Chicago Blackhawks got trade offers for Patrick Kane while an assault allegation against him was being investigat­ed, General Manager Stan Bowman said that Kane “absolutely” remains part of the club’s long-term plans. No charges were filed against Kane, who has a 16-game point streak and leads the NHL in scoring with 32 points. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that at least five teams asked about Kane, whose off-ice maturity remains open to question. “You can’t find talent like that,” Bowman told Chicago reporters Saturday. “He’s been a game-changer. He’s one of those guys that … he’s able to elevate his game in pressure moments. Not too many guys are able to do that.”

It has been a while since family concerns led New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic to request a trade that would bring him closer to his home near Winnipeg, but his wish became public only last week. Islanders General Manager Garth Snow will have difficulty getting equal value for Hamonic, an establishe­d top-four defenseman who’s averaging a team-high 23 minutes and 23 seconds’ ice time.

Despite complaints that the Detroit Red Wings’ production is suffering because new Coach Jeff Blashill emphasizes defense, they’re scoring when it matters. The Red Wings beat the Kings, 3-2, at Detroit on Friday and defeated the Blues, 4-3, in overtime Saturday at St. Louis to build a 3-0-1 points streak over a six-day span.

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