Patrick Kane celebrated a significant career milestone on March 14, 2024, by scoring his 500th goal during the Detroit Red Wings’ 5-1 victory against the Vancouver Canucks at Little Caesars Arena. The achievement was marked by emotional moments on and off the ice, including a heartfelt speech from team captain Dylan Larkin.
As Kane held his five-year-old son, Patrick III, he reflected on the importance of reaching this milestone. “I think 500 is kind of a number that’s recognized with goal scoring,” Kane stated. He expressed gratitude for the club’s support since signing him in November 2024, following a challenging recovery from hip resurfacing surgery.
Milestone Moment for Kane and the Team
Kane’s journey to his 500th goal included a key moment in the first period when he scored his 499th goal on a five-on-three power play. With just under four minutes remaining in the game, he found the net again after receiving a pass from Andrew Copp, prompting an eruption of cheers from the crowd. The entire Red Wings team celebrated the achievement by gathering around him on the ice.
“I don’t usually play when the net’s empty, so it was nice to get that opportunity,” Kane shared. He added that scoring at home made the moment even more special. Red Wings coach Todd McLellan noted that having Kane on the ice during that critical moment was an easy decision, given the strong performance from his line throughout the game.
“I thought Copper’s line had played a really good game tonight,” McLellan said. “Their responsibility level was high defensively, and I felt good about putting Kane on the ice.” He emphasized that the emotional weight of the night was heightened by the team’s victory, which added to the celebration of Kane’s milestone.
Acknowledgment and Reflection
Kane expressed appreciation for Larkin’s speech, describing him as a classy person who conveyed heartfelt sentiments that resonated with him. “He talked more about me personally and how the organization took a chance on me,” Kane remarked. The acknowledgment of his recovery and the growth of the team made the occasion even more meaningful for him.
Teammate Alex DeBrincat, who played alongside Kane in Chicago, shared in the excitement of the moment. “It’s definitely a fun thing to be a part of and something I think everyone in this room will remember,” DeBrincat said, highlighting Kane’s ability to unite the team through hard work and dedication.
Having been a longtime rival of the Red Wings, Kane is now woven into the fabric of the franchise. “His picture’s going to go up somewhere in the rink,” McLellan noted. “Generations of Wings fans are going to come and say, ‘I heard about that guy.’”
Despite the significance of the night, Kane’s family was not present for the game. He humorously remarked about his father’s sporadic attendance at games but acknowledged that they enjoy watching from home. His son, eager to see more milestones, has already expressed hope for Kane to reach 600 goals. “Oh, boy. I might have to play a long time,” Kane joked, reflecting both on his achievement and the aspirations for his future in the sport.
