History made! Patrick Kane has officially become the highest-scoring American-born player in NHL history. Read about his record-breaking night in Detroit and the Capitals’ wild shootout victory.
The hockey world witnessed a “passing of the torch” moment that few will ever forget. On a night filled with high drama at Little Caesars Arena, the legendary Patrick Kane did what he does best—created magic. While the final score may show a shootout loss for the Red Wings, the evening was a celebration of the greatest offensive talent to ever come out of the United States.
Record-Breaking Night: Game at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| The Record | Patrick Kane reaches 1,375 Career Points |
| The Milestone | Passed Mike Modano for #1 All-Time U.S. Scorer |
| Final Score | Washington Capitals 4 – 3 Detroit Red Wings (SO) |
| Star of the Night | Alex DeBrincat (2 Goals, 1 Assist) |
| Winning Goal | Nic Dowd (Shootout Winner) |
| Goalie Duel | John Gibson (20 Saves) vs. Charlie Lindgren (18 Saves) |
Showtime Stands Alone at the Top
The moment every fan was waiting for arrived at 9:52 of the second period. As the Red Wings pushed into the offensive zone, Patrick Kane collected the puck and showcased the elite vision that has defined his 19-season career. He slid a crisp pass to long-time teammate Alex DeBrincat, who then found Ben Chiarot for a thundering one-timer.
With that single assist, Patrick Kane reached 1,375 career points, officially surpassing Mike Modano. The arena erupted as teammates mobbed the 37-year-old superstar. Even the opposing Washington Capitals players showed their respect, banging their sticks against the boards. It was a classy acknowledgement of a player who has won three Stanley Cups and redefined what an American hockey player can achieve on the world stage.
A Tribute from a Legend
The night was made even more emotional by a video tribute from the previous record-holder himself. Mike Modano, who held the top spot since 2007, appeared on the jumbotron to congratulate the new king. Modano noted that he knew early on in Kane’s career that his number was the one being chased.
For Patrick Kane, the achievement is a testament to incredible longevity and consistency. Reaching 500 goals and 875 assists in just 1,342 games—significantly fewer than it took Modano—proves that “Showtime” is still operating at an elite level. Despite dealing with hip surgeries and the grind of a long career, Patrick Kane remains one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league today.
Late Game Madness and a Freak Goal
While the record was the main story, the game itself was a rollercoaster. Washington held a seemingly comfortable 3-1 lead with only two minutes remaining in regulation. However, Detroit pulled their goalie, and Alex DeBrincat went on a rampage, scoring twice in just 47 seconds to tie the game.
The tying goal was one for the “weirdest goals of the year” collection. DeBrincat’s dump-in took a bizarre bounce off the glass—specifically hitting the small door used by photographers—and fooled Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren. Washington coach Spencer Carbery admitted he had never seen anything like it. Because the puck hit the door and not the camera itself, the league ruled it a good goal, allowing Patrick Kane and the Wings to force overtime.
The Capitals Recover in the Shootout
Despite the soul-crushing late rally by Detroit, the Capitals showed remarkable resilience. After a scoreless overtime where Lindgren battled through a late injury, the game headed to a shootout. The first four shooters for both teams found the back of the net, keeping the pressure at an all-time high.
The deciding moment came when Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin hit the crossbar. That set the stage for Nic Dowd, an unlikely hero who was taking only the second shootout attempt of his 11-year career. Dowd beat John Gibson to secure the extra point for Washington. It was a vital win for a Capitals team that had lost six of their last seven, even as they shared the ice with Patrick Kane during his historic milestone.
Conclusion: A Living Legend Continues
The 2025-26 season will forever be etched in history as the year Patrick Kane became the gold standard for American hockey. While the Red Wings would have preferred two points in the standings, the point they earned keeps them firmly in the playoff hunt. As Patrick Kane continues to add to his record-breaking total, fans are reminded that they are watching a once-in-a-generation athlete. From Buffalo to Chicago and now Detroit, the journey of Patrick Kane has been nothing short of spectacular. He didn’t just break a record; he set a bar that may not be touched for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who did Patrick Kane pass to set the American scoring record?
Patrick Kane passed Mike Modano, who finished his legendary career with 1,374 points.
2. How many points does Patrick Kane have now?
Following the assist on Thursday night, Patrick Kane now has 1,375 career NHL points (500 goals and 875 assists).
3. What was the final score of the record-breaking game?
The Washington Capitals defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in a shootout, despite a late two-goal comeback by Detroit.
4. How many Stanley Cups has Patrick Kane won?
Patrick Kane is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, winning all three titles (2010, 2013, 2015) with the Chicago Blackhawks.
5. How many games did it take for Kane to break the record?
It took Patrick Kane 1,342 regular-season games to reach the record, whereas Mike Modano played 1,499 games to reach his total.
