History was made in Detroit as Patrick Kane tied Mike Modano’s record for the most points by an American-born player. Discover the details of this historic night and the Red Wings’ battle against the Kings.
The record books of American hockey were rewritten at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday night. While the Detroit Red Wings didn’t get the win, the crowd witnessed a “passing of the torch” moment as Patrick Kane officially moved into a tie with Dallas Stars legend Mike Modano for the most points ever recorded by a U.S.-born player in NHL history.
Comparison of American Hockey Legends
| Feature | Patrick Kane | Mike Modano |
| Total Points | 1,374 | 1,374 |
| Games Played | 1,341 | 1,499 |
| Age at Point 1,374 | 37 Years Old | 40 Years Old |
| Career Assists | 874 | 813 |
| Career Goals | 500 | 561 |
A Historic Assist in the Motor City
The atmosphere in Detroit was electric as fans anticipated a piece of history. The moment finally arrived late in the third period with the Red Wings trailing. After pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, Patrick Kane collected the puck and fed a precise pass to Alex DeBrincat, who buried it at the 17:45 mark.
That secondary assist marked the 1,374th point for Patrick Kane, bringing him level with Modano. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the efficiency; Kane reached the milestone in 158 fewer games than Modano. It is a testament to the sustained elite production that has defined Kane’s career from his early days in Chicago to his current veteran leadership in Detroit.
Kings Spoil the Party in Detroit
Despite the celebratory mood surrounding Patrick Kane, the Los Angeles Kings proved to be a disciplined and difficult opponent. Led by a stellar 26-save performance from Anton Forsberg, the Kings secured a 3-1 victory. Samuel Helenius opened the scoring in the second period, and Andrei Kuzmenko doubled the lead with a power-play goal in the third.
Detroit’s John Gibson, who entered the night with an impressive eight-game winning streak, suffered his first loss in weeks. While the Red Wings fought hard to support the historic night for Patrick Kane, the Kings’ defensive structure and timely scoring were enough to halt Detroit’s recent momentum. Corey Perry eventually iced the game with an empty-netter in the final minute.
Comparing Two American Greats
When you look at the numbers, the impact of Patrick Kane on the sport is undeniable. While Mike Modano was the face of hockey in the 90s and early 2000s, Kane has carried that mantle into the modern era. Modano was 40 years old when he reached his final point total; Kane has achieved it at just 37, showing that “Showtime” still has plenty of gas in the tank.
For his career, Patrick Kane now sits at 500 goals and 874 assists. He is often cited as the greatest American playmaker to ever play the game, and tying this record only solidifies that claim. As he continues to play at a high level, it is only a matter of time before Patrick Kane stands alone at the top of the mountain as the highest-scoring American-born player in the history of the NHL.
What This Means for the Red Wings
The individual accolade for Patrick Kane comes at a crucial time for the Red Wings. Currently battling for a playoff spot in the Atlantic Division, Detroit needs every bit of “Showtime” magic they can get. Although the loss to the Kings was a minor setback, the team has won eight of its last 11 games, and the energy surrounding Kane’s chase for the record has been a massive morale booster.
Coach Derek Lalonde and the rest of the locker room have been vocal about their respect for the veteran winger. By reaching this mark, Patrick Kane has provided a blueprint for the younger players on the roster regarding professionalism and consistency. The focus now shifts to the next game, where Kane has the chance to break the tie and hold the record solo.
Conclusion: The King of American Points
Tuesday night was more than just a regular-season game; it was a celebration of a legendary career. By the time the final whistle blew, Patrick Kane had etched his name alongside Mike Modano in the pantheon of hockey greats. With 1,374 points now on his resume, the countdown to point 1,375 is officially on. Whether it happens in the next game or later this week, Patrick Kane is about to become the undisputed statistical king of American hockey. Watching Patrick Kane continue to dominate the ice in 2026 is a treat for every hockey fan, and his journey toward the top spot is far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who did Patrick Kane tie for the American-born scoring record?
Patrick Kane tied the legendary Mike Modano, who played primarily for the Dallas Stars and retired in 2011 with 1,374 points.
2. How many points does Patrick Kane currently have?
Following his assist against the Kings, Patrick Kane has 1,374 career NHL points, consisting of 500 goals and 874 assists.
3. Did the Detroit Red Wings win the game?
No, despite the milestone for Patrick Kane, the Red Wings lost 3-1 to the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night.
4. How many games did it take for Kane to reach this record?
It took Patrick Kane 1,341 regular-season games to reach 1,374 points, which is 158 fewer games than it took Mike Modano.
5. When can Patrick Kane break the record?
Patrick Kane has his first chance to become the sole leader in points by an American-born player in Detroit’s next game against the Washington Capitals.
