In a significant milestone for his career, Patrick Kane scored his 500th NHL goal during the Detroit Red Wings’ 5-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on March 14, 2024, at Little Caesars Arena. The achievement was celebrated by teammates, coaches, and fans, marking a key moment in Kane’s career after his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery.
Celebration and Recognition
As Kane held his five-year-old son, Patrick III, he reflected on the importance of reaching this landmark. The atmosphere was electric, especially after a heartfelt speech from team captain Dylan Larkin, who acknowledged Kane’s journey and the significance of the moment. Kane expressed gratitude toward the organization for giving him a chance to play again, stating, “To do it as a Red Wing and be the 50th person to do that in the NHL is pretty special.”
After scoring his 499th goal during a five-on-three power play late in the first period, Kane completed his milestone with an empty-net goal with just under four minutes remaining in the game. The crowd erupted in applause as his teammates rushed the ice to celebrate alongside him. “I don’t usually play when the net’s empty, so it was nice to get that opportunity,” Kane said. “Hearing the crowd erupt a little bit there was a great feeling.”
A Grateful Team and Coach
Red Wings coach Todd McLellan praised the decision to have Kane on the ice during that crucial moment, noting that it was an easy choice given Kane’s performance that night. “I thought Copper’s line had played a really good game tonight,” McLellan explained, referring to Andrew Copp, who assisted on Kane’s historic goal. “He had that kind of night.”
McLellan emphasized the emotional weight of the victory, stating, “To win the game, you enjoyed it a little bit more.” This sentiment resonated throughout the team, with players expressing their excitement about being part of Kane’s milestone.
Alex DeBrincat, who previously played alongside Kane in Chicago, shared his enthusiasm. “It’s definitely a fun thing to be a part of,” he said. “He’s just a guy that brings everyone into the fight and plays hard. He definitely deserves it all.”
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Kane noted the absence of his family at the game. He expressed a mix of disappointment and humor regarding his father’s sporadic presence at games, stating, “I don’t know what’s up with my dad. Sometimes he’ll just show up at games and other times he doesn’t.”
Now that Kane has reached 500 goals, his son has raised the bar, hoping to see him achieve 600. Kane joked, “Oh, boy. I might have to play a long time.”
This moment not only solidifies Kane’s status within the franchise’s history but also sets a precedent for future generations of Red Wings fans who will remember this achievement. “His picture’s going to go up somewhere in the rink,” McLellan said, ensuring that Kane’s legacy will be celebrated long after he retires.
