For the first time in many years, there is this vague glimmer of hope that playoff aspirations may not be entirely a figment of the most ardent Detroit Red Wings fans. The team has consistently clung to the top ranks of a very competitive Atlantic Division.
Meanwhile, Patrick Kane, who has been a steady contributor to the team’s success this season, is teetering on the verge of a glorious personal milestone.
Patrick Kane Ties With Mike Modano for Most Points by a US-Born Player
Veteran winger Kane has unobtrusively marked a phenomenal achievement amid all the NHL noise. The 37-year-old has 1374 points over 1341 regular-season games, tying with Mike Modano for the most points by a player born in the United States in the history of the NHL.
Kane achieved the feat during the Red Wings’ recent showdown against the Los Angeles Kings at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday. The veteran had one assist against the Kings, inching him closer to history. The 37-year-old assisted Alex DeBrincat’s goal around 17:45 of the third period. Kane found the puck along the right boards, made a pass to defenseman Moritz Seider, who eventually found DeBrincat at the left side of the crease.
Despite Kane’s impressive personal feat, the Red Wings did not emerge victorious against Los Angeles; they fell 3-1 to the Pacific Division giants. Taking little notice of his personal glory, Kane expressed disappointment about Detroit’s square defeat at the hands of the Kings.
However, the winger remains hopeful about a better outcome in the Wings’ upcoming match. He expressed that as much as he would like to better Modano’s record, it would always be more special if it came with a win.
“Nothing really went right for us tonight. Hopefully, the next game will bring a better result and I can move past Mike. It would be nice to do it with a win,” Kane stated in the aftermath of Detroit’s match against Los Angeles, as reported by independent NHL correspondent Dave Hogg.
Moreover, Kane also took responsibility for the Red Wings’ loss on Tuesday, stating that his performance ought to improve in Detroit’s next match. “We definitely need to create a little bit more. As a guy who is supposed to be offensive, I take that on myself. I definitely need to be better next game,” the winger admitted.
Red Wings HC admired his team’s performance in the third period and couldn’t help but acknowledge the Kings’ admirable job of containing the Wings. “A lot of our game is volume shooting and playing off the goaltender’s pads. We did a better job in the third period, but give them credit, they checked well and kept us to the outside.”
Of course, it is only a matter of time before Kane displaces Modano, but if he can do it during a winning match for the Wings, it remains to be seen.
