This Is Why the Detroit Red Wings Signed Patrick Kane

DETROIT — One of the primary reasons why Patrick Kane chose to sign with the Detroit Red Wings earlier this season was he saw the team had plenty of contributors.

Kane believed he could fit in and “not have the weight of the world in your shoulders, to come in and have that much pressure, because we have so much depth and guys can step up and score.”

“The depth is the biggest thing and that’s how you win in this league,” Kane continued. “Every team I’ve been a part of that has won had depth. You didn’t know whose turn it was going to be that night to step up and be the hero for the team and I think that’s kind of the position we’re in now. It seems like it could be anyone on any given night.”

The irony of Kane’s take is that the Red Wings wanted Kane because he is a proven winner with a history of finding the spotlight, a player who steps up in important games. They wanted Kane because he could handle the pressure and be a difference-maker.

And that’s what he did Thursday, converting a dramatic feed from Dylan Larkin at 3:42 of overtime to give the Red Wings a 2-1 win against the Colorado Avalanche. Larkin had speed driving to the net and dropped the puck to Kane who buried it from the slot.

That play showed why the Red Wings want to give Patrick Kane a contract extension.

Can Play From Behind

Kane’s goal was his 10th of the season, giving Detroit 12 players with a double-figures goal total

“There’s goals out there that we couldn’t find last year,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “We find that throughout all the guys. Of course, Kane, (Alex) DeBrincat, additions like that, (Daniel) Sprong. With that depth and that star, we’re finding some of those goals.”

Colorado led 1-0 heading into the third period. This was Detroit’s 10th third-period comeback win this season.

“It’s not the way we want it, playing from behind all the time,” Larkin who netted the tying goal. “But I think our team offense, our depth, it’s been different guys every night chipping in and scoring goals. We have guys who can put the puck in the back of the net so it’s a matter of time.  Games are going to get harder here and they have after the break and tighter checking and you got to score on the power play and you got to capitalize on your chances. We were all over it (against Colorado) and it was nice to break through.”

The Red Wings have won seven games in overtime, tying the Dallas Stars and New York Rangers for the NHL lead.

“Again, you don’t win that often trailing going into the third,” Lalonde said. “You certainly don’t usually do it as many times as we’ve done this year. I think it speaks a lot for our group.”

PATRICK KANE WITH THE OVERTIME WINNER!#LGRW pic.twitter.com/2wq7mWfq3X

— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) February 23, 2024

Detroit is now six points ahead of the Washington Capitals, Devils and Islanders. The win ended Colorado’s 10-game winning streak against Detroit. The Red Wings were 0-8-2 against Colorado since 2017