CHICAGO _ The Blackhawks season officially ends April 7.
It was unofficially over Tuesday, when they were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons.
But that doesn't necessarily mean Patrick Kane's hockey season is coming to a close.
The Hawks forward said before Thursday's game against that Canucks that he wasn't sure yet whether he would play for Team USA in the upcoming World Championship, May 4-20 in Denmark.
"We'll see. I don't know," Kane said. "We'll ... try to finish strong, then kind of look at where we're at after that. Not much thought has gone into that."
Kane, who has played in two Olympics, said the biggest honor would be playing for his country. He last suited up for the tournament in 2008, when the U.S. finished sixth.
Kane was disappointed when the NHL decided not to send its players this year's Winter Games in South Korea, saying he was "pissed off" when he heard the news.
Kane said the opportunity to "learn a few things" and play with some different players also was appealing when it comes to the World Championship.
"You've seen players who have gone and come back and had really good seasons, whether you're looking at guys like (Sidney) Crosby, (William) Nylander last year."
Kane said he planned to rest if he decides not to play. The Hawks were swept in the first round of the playoffs last season and lost in seven games to the Blues the season before.
"We've been at a point in the past where we needed that rest maybe more than this year," he said. "A couple early exits and not making the playoffs this year, so we'll see, I guess."
