Just refer to him as the ageless one. Patrick Kane, 37, netted the game-winning goal with under three minutes remaining, leading the Detroit Red Wings to victory over Seattle.
The game-winning goal marked the 497th of Kane's illustrious career, which will undoubtedly end with him having a place in the Hall of Fame. Kane has been on quite a streak recently, recording points in each of his last four games and in seven of his previous eight. The talented winger is averaging nearly a point per game for the Red Wings this season—a crucial development, as Detroit has struggled to find consistent secondary scoring in 2025-26. So far, he's tallied 19 points, including five goals, through 20 games this season.
The lack of depth scoring in Detroit has been apparent in prolonged goal droughts from key middle-six forwards, and having such a dependence on the top unit to carry the offensive load isn't exactly a recipe for success. Yes, your top players, or stars, so to speak, need to pace the organization daily, but championship teams can strike and create from top to bottom.
However, recent games have provided reasons for optimism. James van Riemsdyk, acquired to bolster the Red Wings' forward depth, has shown signs of a resurgence on the fourth line and as a skilled net-front body on the power play. His recent production—highlighted by timely goals and net-front presence—has injected some consistent offense into the lineup (of late). Van Riemsdyk's ability to capitalize on rebounds and create chaos around the crease has helped alleviate some pressure from Detroit's group of top six forwards. van Riemsdyk has recorded goals in three straight games and in five of his last six contests.
Red Wings secondary scoring is beginning to show signs of life
Speaking of secondary scoring, Andrew Copp came out of the woodwork to strike on Saturday night for the first time in 27 games. Copp redirected home a shot from Simon Edvinsson in the second period. It goes down as Copp's second goal of the season, and first since the second game of the year against the Maple Leafs back on October 11th.
As the Red Wings hope to see more consistent secondary scoring, others need to start contributing if they wish to remain with the organization ahead of the NHL trade deadline. A couple of players that come to mind are Jonatan Berggren, Elmer Soderblom, and Michael Rasmussen.
Detroit can live with the pair of 21-year-olds, Marco Kasper and Nate Danielson, struggling to find their way, but others need to step up and shoulder the load.
Berggren has totaled two goals and six points over 14 games this season, but hasn't dressed for a game since November 24th at New Jersey. Soderblom had spent some time on the shelf, injured during the first two months of the season, but he's recorded only one goal and one point in 16 games. Rasmussen has notched four goals and eight points over 24 appearances.
The Detroit Red Wings will return to the ice late Monday evening (10 pm EST) in Vancouver as they continue trekking through their lengthy West Coast road trip.