DETROIT — Michigan native Mike Modano was the NHL’s top U.S.-born scorer for 18 years before Detroit Red Wings player Patrick Kane removed him from the throne with a second period assist against the Washington Capitals for his 1,375th point.

In a video congratulations, Modano had one request for the new American king: “Make this number harder for the next guy.”

Nobody wants to guess how many points Kane, 37, still may generate because he takes competitiveness to its highest level.

“I think a lot,” DeBrincat offered on the question of how many more points. “I think he’s still got it. He’s still one of the smartest players I’ve ever played with. Obviously, the skill’s there. I think as long as he wants to go, he’s going to be able to go and be a difference maker in the league for a while.”

Kane officially passed Modano when he drew the second assist on Ben Chiarot’s goal from the point at 9:52 of the second period.  The only negative of the night was that the Red Wings lost 4-3 to Washington in a shootout. They were miffed they didn’t earn two points.

“It’s still special to be a part of history whether we win or lose,” DeBrincat said, “and I think it’s a special moment for him and all of us.”

The Red Wings celebrated with a team photo in the dressing room.

Detroit coach Todd McLellan said it was probably some relief for Kane as well because the spotlight has been on his milestones since the start of the season.

Was It a Relief?

“You knew he was going to get it at some point,” McLellan said. “Now he can just move on and stack numbers on top of that number. But you have to work hard to get it.”

Kane almost had the record in the first period. Alex DeBrincat appeared to score a goal, assisted by Kane. But a coach’s challenge nullified the goal because Kane was offside.

“I think we were both offside, so I don’t think it was very close,” DeBrincat said. “I don’t think it was hard for them to call that back. ”

Kane said earlier in the season he would like to play into his 40s.  The man nicknamed “Showtime” has 23 points (5-18-23) and a plus-10 rating in 28 games dating back to Nov. 22 vs. Columbus

“My body feels pretty good,” Kane said. “. . . . Still feel like there’s more in the tank and more that I can give to the team and hoping that I can really find it down the stretch here as the time becomes really important. So that’s kind of my thought right now.
And then, you know, we’ll see with everything else after that