Detroit Red Wings defenseman Axel Sandin-Pellikka celebrates after scoring a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane reached a major career milestone on Thursday night, scoring his 500th NHL goal against the Detroit Red Wings. He delivered a personal milestone with a convincing win, too. As per reports, Kane scored twice as the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 at Little Caesars Arena, turning Thursday’s matchup into a historic moment for both player and franchise. With those two goals, Kane became the fifth American-born player to reach 500 goals in NHL history, underlining his lasting impact in the league and giving Detroit a timely lift after recent inconsistency. He scored his 499th goal at 19:31 of the first period, giving the Red Wings a 1-0 lead, and then reached the milestone by scoring into an empty net to make it 4-1 at 16:07 of the third period. Following the game, the veteran forward shared an emotional reflection in the locker room, expressing his gratitude to the organization, staff, and teammates who supported him throughout his career. Let’s take a look at his reaction once.
Patrick Kane opens up for the first time after scoring his 500th NHL goal in league history
Patrick Kane, the veteran forward of the Detroit Red Wings, has carved his name into glory as he reached a personal milestone by scoring his 500th goal in NHL history. As per the NHL, he became the fifth player born in the United States to score 500 goals in the NHL by getting two for the Detroit Red Wings in a 5-1 win against the Vancouver Canucks at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.Speaking to the NHL about his accomplishment, Kane stated, “I’m just kind of relieved to get it over with, to be honest with you. It’s still a really cool feeling, obviously. Coming into tonight at 498 and scoring one in the first, and then I’m not usually on the ice when the net is empty. It was nice to get that opportunity, and then hear the crowd erupt a little when I got on the ice was pretty cool. And then obviously getting the puck right away and having a chance to put it in the net for 500 was a great feeling.”
PATRICK KANE reaches 500 GOALS!
Following the game, the veteran forward shared an emotional reflection in the locker room, expressing his gratitude to the organization, staff, and teammates, who have been there through his thick and thin, “I am so happy to do this in a Red Wings uniform, with all the history, and this organization… Looking around the room, all you guys, teammates that have become great friends, thank you for everything. Everyone in here has had a big part of this,” Kane said.He further added, “Obviously, this is an accomplishment, but for this team, we have bigger things on the horizon… We have a good team, great leaders, and there are bigger things ahead.”Meanwhile, with this achievement, the 37-year-old forward joined Mike Modano (561), Keith Tkachuk (538), Jeremy Roenick (513), and Joe Mullen (502) as the only U.S.-born players to score 500 goals. He also became the sixth skater to reach the milestone while playing for the Red Wings, joining Gordie Howe of the New York Rangers, Dino Ciccarelli of the Los Angeles Kings, Steve Yzerman, Pat Verbeek, and Brendan Shanahan.Also read: Will Panthers’ Brad Marchand play tonight against the Montreal Canadiens after an undisclosed injury? | NHL News – The Times of India