Patrick Kane, playing for the Detroit Red Wings, scored two goals in a 5-1 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday, becoming the fifth U.S.-born player to reach 500 career goals in the National Hockey League.
A Historic Milestone
Kane scored his 499th goal at 19:31 of the first period, giving the Red Wings a 1-0 lead on a power play. He then reached the 500-goal milestone with an empty-netter at 16:07 of the third period, extending the Red Wings’ lead to 4-1. “I’m just kind of relieved to get it over with, to be honest with you,” Kane said after the game.
With this achievement, the 37-year-old forward joins Mike Modano (561), Keith Tkachuk (538), Jeremy Roenick (513), and Joe Mullen (502) as the only American-born players to surpass the 500-goal mark. He also surpassed Glenn Anderson for 50th place in NHL history with his 499th goal.
Context and Implications
Kane’s accomplishment places him sixth among active NHL players in total goals scored, trailing Alex Ovechkin (915), Sidney Crosby (649), Steven Stamkos (600), Evgeni Malkin (523), and John Tavares (509). The Red Wings have now seen six players reach this milestone while on the team, including Gordie Howe (March 14, 1962), Dino Ciccarelli (Jan. 8, 1994), Steve Yzerman (Jan. 17, 1996), Pat Verbeek (March 22, 2000), and Brendan Shanahan (March 23, 2002).
Kane recalled his first NHL goal, scored on October 19, 2007, with assistance from Patrick Sharp against the Colorado Avalanche, remembering the play vividly.
Looking Ahead
Kane’s continued performance could see him climb the ranks among active goal scorers. He may continue to contribute significantly to the Red Wings’ offensive efforts. It is possible he could challenge other players on the list of top goal scorers, though surpassing players like Ovechkin and Crosby would be a substantial undertaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many U.S.-born players have scored 500 or more goals in the NHL?
Five U.S.-born players have scored 500 or more goals in the NHL: Mike Modano, Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick, Joe Mullen, and Patrick Kane.
When did Patrick Kane score his 500th goal?
Patrick Kane scored his 500th goal into an empty net at 16:07 of the third period in a 5-1 win against the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.
What other players have scored 500 goals while playing for the Detroit Red Wings?
Gordie Howe, Dino Ciccarelli, Steve Yzerman, Pat Verbeek, and Brendan Shanahan have also scored 500 goals while playing for the Detroit Red Wings.
What does this milestone mean for Patrick Kane’s legacy in the sport?
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