Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings’ depth scoring has arrived at the right time in the season, as Patrick Kane and James Van Riemsdyk have found their rhythm.
Both Detroit Red Wings forwards James Van Riemsdyk (2nd overall, 2007) and Patrick Kane (1st overall, 2007) were drafted in the same class 18 years ago.
Now, the dynamic duo has found themselves wearing the same jersey and helping to push the Red Wings to a larger goal this year: the playoffs.
Ironically, both had been drafted in Columbus, one after the other in the 2007 Draft, and 18 years later, they’re tearing up the ice in Nationwide Arena, with both players scoring goals in the same game.
The American-born legend, Kane, commented on the team’s effort that night.
«It was cool last game playing together, because that’s where we were drafted in Columbus a long time ago,» Kane told reporters following Saturday’s 4-3 win at Seattle.
Both forwards contributed to the team’s victory, as they were down 3-2, and JVR scored the tying goal. This was his third goal in a row in three consecutive games in which he scored and his fifth goal in six games.
«JVR, he’s hot right now, and he’s finding a way to contribute by scoring goals,» Kane said. «And he’s making a lot of good plays, too, so he’s playing really well.»
Detroit Red Wings’ Patrick Kane comes in clutch as a depth scorer in the lineup
Forward Patrick Kane came in clutch at the end of the third period, scoring the game-winning goal with 2:29 left in regulation.
Alex DeBrincat was the primary assist on the legend’s goal, giving him a two-game points streak. A promising outlook for someone who has been held scoreless for the last nine games.
The question of injury seems long gone, as Kane is producing like the team needs him to.«He can still handle the puck as good as ever,» said Andrew Copp. He’s been working at center between Kane and DeBrincat in recent games. «It’s a pleasure to see him operate on the half wall on the power play.
«Glad he’s on our team.»
With Kane’s last goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets, he has scored 497 for his career and is now three short of 500, which would be a historic milestone for the Red Wings’ veteran and three-time Stanley Cup-winning forward’s career.
With these two players coming around, hopefully, they can find themselves awash in depth goal-scoring from both Kane and JVR, who have been quiet too long.
Previously on Detroit Hockey Insider
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Red Wings’ depth scoring has arrived at the perfect time
Has the depth scoring of forward Patrick Kane and forward James Van Riemsdyk of the Detroit Red Wings arrived at the right time?