Kane’s play is story as Oilers take control

Evander LOS ANGELES — Kane is happy to be making headlines for his on-ice play instead of off-ice controversies.

Edmonton’s enigmatic forward has an NHL-best five goals in the past two games of the Western Conference first-round series against Los Angeles. Kane had his first hat trick in a Stanley Cup playoff game on Friday night as the Oilers clobbered the Kings 8-2.

“There’s been a lot of trials and tribulations, and it’s nice to turn the page and start to move forward in a positive way,” Kane said.

Last summer, Kane’s ex-wife Anna accused him of gambling on games, including some against the San Jose Sharks while he was playing. There were also allegations of sexual and physical abuse. NHL investigations found no evidence that Kane gambled on games and said the domestic violence allegations “could not be substantiated.”

In mid-October, Kane ran afoul of the league when he received a 21-game suspension for submitting a fake COVID-19 vaccination card. When the suspension ended, the Sharks placed him on waivers and sent him to the AHL when he was unclaimed.

Kane played five games for the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda before being placed in the league’s COVID-19 protocols on Dec. 22. The Sharks released him on Jan. 8 for violating protocols and terminated the remainder of his $49 million, seven-year contract.

“The beginning of the year was very tough with a lot of different things going on in my life. It’s a real credit to my family for helping me through everything,” Kane said.

Friday’s hat trick was also important to Kane because he wanted to play a big game for someone from his family. His uncle, Leonard Kane, is in the hospital with an undisclosed illness.

Kane signed with Edmonton on Jan. 28.

The Oilers have a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and look to continue their momentum tonight in Game 4.