After scoring historic No. 500, Patrick Kane reveals why he's so glad he did it as a Red Wing

It was a triumphant night for the Detroit Red Wings and their fans on Thursday as they trounced the Vancouver Canucks 5-1 at home. But the celebration was more than just for the win that put this Original Six team back in contention for first place in the Atlantic before their game against Montreal Saturday; it was two goals from a player who started his career as one of the Wings' most feared rivals.

Patrick Kane scored his 500th goal at 16:07 of the third period to net the feat. Afterward he said words Wings fans can truly love to hear: "I couldn't be happier to be a Red Wing and do it in this uniform."

Kane joins a group of just 50 NHL players all time to reach 500 goals, and he became the fifth player wearing the Winged Wheel to do it. He joins a club with Red Wings franchise icons like Brendan Shanahan and Gordie Howe, and is one of a small number of American-born players to do so.

Patrick Kane's 500th goal completed an epic comeback after a harrowing injury

After being traded from the Blackhawks to the New York Rangers in the 2022-23 season, Kane had to undergo a hip resurfacing surgery that's ended many an NHLer's career before, and many questioned whether or not "Showtime" would still have the same impact when he returned to the ice.

He didn't even know whether he'd be back. But he did make it back, and joined a Red Wings team in a time of transition, with the organization over a half decade into a playoff drought.

"I think I was in a spot where I didn't know if I was gonna play again," he said. "I'm in a spot where I feel really good physically and just trying to get better with my all around game."

Red Wings fans welcomed Patrick Kane with open arms

Kane chose to come to Detroit, and despite the fact that he tormented the Red Wings for near 15 years as an opponent, Hockeytown has taken to him like one of their own.

"It's incredible, the way they've welcomed me with open arms is, you know, something I'll never forget," Kane said. "Just the welcoming from the fans, from the organization, from the team ... from everyone within the organization, has been incredible."

When the horn for goal number 500 rang, the Red Wings cleared the benches to celebrate the moment, the crowd erupting in a roar that belied the half empty stadium.

One player who played with Kane before the Red Wings was at a loss for words after the game.

"You know I can't really describe it, really," former Blackhawks (and current Red Wings) teammate Alex DeBrincat said. "I think the stuff he does on the ice is you know, pretty special and being part of it is awesome. ... He's just a guy that brings everyone into the fight and plays hard, and has a great work ethic."