Red Wings Notebook: Patrick Kane Reaches 1,300 Points

DETROIT — The Patrick Kane first take on reaching 1,300 career NHL  points was that he wished “I got (there) a little bit sooner this year.”

An injury and rust from that layoff have contributed to what has been a slow start for the American legend. But with three goals and six points in his past seven games, he has started to perform like the Kane the team needs.

The 1,300th point came on a primary assist to set-up Alex DeBrincat for his second goal of the game to give Detroit a 3-1 lead against Washington. Kane is now 74 points behind Mike Modano for the points lead among American-born players. Buffalo native Kane is the 38th player to reach 1,300 points.

“Obviously, you play a lot of hockey, play a lot of games, your numbers have a chance to get up there,” Kane said. “But nice to reach that milestone and do it on a play like that. Cat finishing off his is pretty, pretty fun, pretty exciting. “

Patrick Kane finds the Cat out front and picks up his 1,300th career point! 🎬 https://t.co/4jW7M9Ecra pic.twitter.com/DukkuoznBv

— NHL (@NHL) December 29, 2024

New Red Wings coach Todd McLellan said Kane’s milestone-reaching night gave the team energy in its 4-2 win against the Washington Capitals.

“I could hear guys on the bench,” McLellan said. ” ‘We got to get Patty the puck.’ We got to get it to him.’ Those special moments or events, energize other guys. They get them excited and it’s working for their team.” 

McLellan has only been with Kane for a couple of days, but he appreciates what he offers.

“He’s got a lot of hockey smarts that he can share with the coaching staff too and with his teammates,” McLellan said. ” And I really felt like he’s really committed to winning right now. We have to allow them to be somewhat creative, especially power play-wise.”

Joe Veleno’s Place

With speedy Joe Veleno now playing with Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin, the line generated 10 shots on goal and a goal that read Raymond from Larkin and Veleno.

McLellan is trying Veleno there because of his speed, and he adds some physical play. He registers more than 100 hits per season.

The new coach isn’t ready to say what Veleno has to do to stay with that line.

“I don’t know Joe well enough yet,” McLellan said. ” I don’t know what’s in his toolbox. He’s. He seems to be a real honest player. He seems to have some pace to his game and some skill. You know, his ability right now to go all over the lineup. Down, up, penalty kill, hasn’t had any power play time, but sometimes lines need balance, too, and maybe he can provide that. But other than that, that’s all I can give you on without being unfair to him or to me. ”

Ice Chips

Grand Rapids Griffins coach Dan Watson was selected to be the coach for the Central Division in the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic at Acrisure Arena in Paul Desert, California on Feb. 2-3… Detroit defenseman Moritz Seider led the Red Wings with 25:48 minutes of playing…Alex Ovechkin scored a first period goal (No. 870) to leave him 24 behind Wayne Gretzky (894) on the list of NHL all-time goal scoring leaders