Patrick Kane Makes U.S. Hockey History as Red Wings Battle Back in Shootout Loss
DETROIT - It was only a matter of time, but Patrick Kane officially etched his name atop the record books Thursday night, passing Mike Modano to become the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history. Point No. 1,375 came on a second-period assist in the Detroit Red Wings’ 4-3 shootout loss to the Washington Capitals at Little Caesars Arena - a milestone moment in a game that had a little bit of everything.
“Nice to have it over with,” Kane said afterward, flashing the kind of calm that comes with a career full of big moments. “Now I can just focus on the rest of the season and what we can do as a team.”
The record-breaking assist came midway through the second period, when Kane, in vintage fashion, helped orchestrate a crisp passing sequence that ended with Ben Chiarot hammering home a one-timer from just inside the blue line. The goal tied the game at 1-1 and sent the Red Wings bench pouring onto the ice to celebrate their teammate’s historic achievement.
It was a fitting moment, not just for the milestone, but for how it unfolded - Kane threading a pass to Alex DeBrincat in the left circle, who then found Chiarot for the finish. It was a play that showcased Kane’s vision, DeBrincat’s awareness, and Chiarot’s timing - three elements that have made this Red Wings squad so compelling this season.
And for Kane, passing a legend like Modano - someone he idolized growing up - wasn’t lost in the moment.
“He’s one of the best American players ever,” Kane said. “I remember when he passed Phil Housley on a breakaway in San Jose. Seeing him up on the videoboard tonight, sending a message - that was a classy move.”
A Game of Twists, Turns, and Bounces
This game had its fair share of drama, starting just minutes in. DeBrincat appeared to open the scoring with a power-play goal just 2:26 into the first, and Kane looked to have secured the record right then and there. But Washington successfully challenged for offside, wiping the goal - and the history - off the board.
“It’s crazy,” Kane said. “You think you’ve got it, and then it gets called back. None of us really saw the offside live, but there was definitely a sense something was up when the guys didn’t come from the bench.”
Washington struck first for real at 6:27 when Nic Dowd beat John Gibson with a snap shot from the left circle. Detroit had another power-play chance late in the period but couldn’t capitalize before the horn.
Then came the second period, and with it, Kane’s moment. Detroit tied the game at 1-1, and the buzz in the building was unmistakable.
But the third period brought more adversity for the Red Wings. Dylan Strome scored on a wraparound at 9:36 to put the Capitals back ahead 2-1.
Detroit challenged for goalie interference - a call that didn’t go their way - and had to kill off the resulting penalty. Not long after, Declan Chisholm tipped in a Jakob Chychrun shot to make it 3-1.
“I’d still argue our side on that challenge,” head coach Todd McLellan said. “But it obviously didn’t go that way.”
DeBrincat Delivers Late
Down two goals with under two minutes to play, Detroit needed a spark. Enter DeBrincat.
The winger scored his 29th of the season at 18:20 to pull the Red Wings within one. Then, with just 53 seconds left, he tied it with his 30th - a wild bounce off the boards that deflected in off Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren.
“I try not to think about it too much in the moment, but it’s hard to score in this league,” DeBrincat said. “I’ve been lucky to play with guys who get me the puck in good spots. Some credit to them, and some credit to the bounces I got tonight.”
It marked DeBrincat’s second straight 30-goal season and the fifth of his career - a testament to his consistency and scoring touch.
Shootout Seals It for Washington
Neither team could find the back of the net in overtime, and the game went to a shootout. Lucas Raymond and Kane scored for Detroit, but Washington got goals from Strome, Ryan Leonard, and Dowd to seal the win.
“If I had to sum it up, I’d say it was a really good comeback by us,” McLellan said. “It looked pretty bleak there for a while.
That bounce off the boards - it reminded me of Joe Louis Arena. You don’t see many goals like that anymore, but we’ll take it.”
Looking Ahead
The Red Wings wrap up their three-game homestand Saturday afternoon when they host the Colorado Avalanche - a chance to build on the resilience they showed Thursday night.
Despite the loss, there was no shortage of positives. Kane made history.
DeBrincat continued his scoring surge. And the team showed it can claw back in tough situations - something that didn’t always happen in previous seasons.
“We didn’t play our best,” DeBrincat admitted. “Definitely not happy with just one point - we should’ve had two. But it’s still a special moment for Kaner, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
What They Said
McLellan on DeBrincat:
“Competitive.
As soon as you say his name, that’s what comes to mind. He’s hungry.
That kind of energy rubs off on the rest of the group. He gets rewarded, and the other guys see it.”
Kane on the record-setting assist:
“Great all-around play.
Copper (Andrew Copp) pulled up, hit me with speed, I got it to Cat, and he found Benny for a great shot. Just a really well-executed play all around.”
DeBrincat on celebrating Kane’s milestone:
“We took a team picture.
It’s special to be part of history, win or lose. But now it’s on to the next one.
We’ve got work to do.”
And that’s the mindset this Red Wings group is carrying - respect the milestone, celebrate the moment, but keep pushing forward. With Kane’s history-making night in the books, Detroit’s eyes are firmly on the bigger picture.