The Hockey Life - A Patrick Kane Fanfic

Part Ninety-Four - Back In the Game

PART NINETY-FOUR: BACK IN THE GAME

PATRICK'S POV

I continued participating in practice, and it was more than I could possibly ask for. Before I knew it, I was able to practice with full-on contact. As I got used to playing again, my team clinched a playoffs spot. I was so happy for them; for us. But, at the same time, I knew I wouldn't be playing in the first round anyways. I would just have to continue to cheer them on. It was annoying because I was healing ahead of schedule and I was in good enough shape to play, but I was told that I still had to sit a few more games out.

"It's just a little longer, Pat. I know it's not fun to sit back and watch everyone else participate, but we're doing everything we can to get you out there ASAP," Lena told me. I just nodded. I had heard it already. Even so, she promised she'd talk to everyone at work and they'd see what they could do. It wasn't that I wasn't well enough to play, it was a matter of legalities and terms that had been created. I wasn't sure how anyone could change any of that.

Then, just when I was prepared to sit out during the first round, Coach Q called me over after practice. Lena and Brad were grinning widely in the background as he told me that I'd be participating in the first round of playoffs, staring with game one. I was completely elated. I was back, and just in time for post-season hockey, too!

"How'd you get them to change their minds?" I wondered, pulling Lena into a bone-crushing hug.

"It wasn't me, it was Brad," she managed to say, despite the fact that she didn't have much air.

"She's right. You have me to thank," he confirmed.

"Thanks so much, Brad! I owe you," I decided. I stayed late to take a few celebratory shots at the net. I hadn't been this happy probably since before I first got injured.

"You know what this means, right?"

"It's time for the mullet and playoff beard," Lena guessed, running her hands through my hair.

"Yep. You better enjoy this look while it lasts, because I'm getting my hair cut in a few days and I'm going to quit shaving," I warned her.

"I know, I know. I've been through this drill a few times before," she reminded me.

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Round one of the playoffs was against Nashville, so Lena and I headed there with the team. I had a new haircut and an amazing feeling when I got on the ice. I knew it was going to be a good game. It had to be - it was my first one in a long, long time.

I didn't score any goals, but I did get a couple assists, and we won the game 4-3. I was so happy to have been a part of the game, and to be able to celebrate with my team, and even to be able to go back into the locker room and be congratulated by my wife.

"I never thought I'd say this, but maybe you should get injured more often," Lena commented once we got home.

"Why's that?"

"Because you're so happy now that you're playing again. I like that you're always in such a good mood lately instead of moping around, complaining that you're not playing," she laughed.

"I did not mope!" I argued.

"You kind of did."

"Did not!"

"How old are you again?"

"Very funny, Lean."

After such a successful game one, game two was a bit of a letdown. We lost 2-6. I wasn't in as great of a mood after the loss as I had been before, but I knew I had to shake it off. I had scored one of the goals, at least, so I had that going for me. And besides, game three was taking place in the UC, so there had to be good vibes.

Sure enough, the United Center was roaring and rocking when I got on the ice with my team. It was a great feeling to be playing in front of the home crowd again, and as I had hoped, we grabbed another win. The next home game was the same way - we won. We lost once more once we headed back to Nashville, but at that point, the series was 3-2 in our favor. All we needed was one more win, and we'd move on.

"You think you can manage to wear your jersey? A good luck charm would be nice," I said as Lena and I got ready to go to the UC for what would hopefully be the final game of round one.

"You know I have to wear my trainer jacket, Pat," she reminded me. Stupid work dress codes.

"Yeah, I know," I sulked.

"But, Brad and I are close, so I can probably get away with wearing it underneath," she decided.

"You're the best, Lean. I'll score a goal for you," I promised, hugging her tightly.

A few hours, three periods, seven goals, and several handshakes later, we had won the game and our first round of the playoffs. I had even managed to score, just like I had promised. 

"Congrats, babe!" Lena exclaimed as I pulled her in for a kiss upon entering the locker room.

"Thanks. I told you I'd get a goal for you," I answered, kissing her again.

"The good luck charm worked. I guess I'm going to have to wear this jersey for every game now, huh?"

"Not EVERY game. Just the super, super important ones," I decided. I was practically getting pulled away from her to do post game interviews, so I kissed her once more on the cheek before leaving her.

We had a proper celebration when we got home, unsurprisingly, and I got a full night of high quality sleep. It might have only been the first round of playoffs and there was still a lot of hockey left in the post season, but we were one step closer to the Cup, and that was all that mattered at the moment.

Hey guys! It's a short chapter, I know, but at least I updated, right? Now that I'm back at home and school is out for me, I'll have more time to write. Hopefully updates can happen every couple of weeks instead of every month, give or take. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please vote if you did and leave me some comments. Thanks for being patient! :)