Showtime in Detroit: Kane Hits 500 as Red Wings Roll Past Canucks
If there was any concern about tired legs or a slow start, Vancouver brought it early.
The Vancouver Canucks looked like the fresher group in the opening minutes, outshooting the Detroit Red Wings and controlling the puck through the first half of the period. But once Detroit found its footing — and once discipline became an issue for Vancouver — the night quickly turned into something historic.
By the end of it, the Red Wings skated off with a 5–1 win, a third straight victory, and a milestone that will live in Hockeytown lore: Patrick Kane’s 500th career goal.
A Power-Play Window — and Kane Makes History (Again)
Detroit’s turning point came late in the first period when Vancouver took two penalties within a minute, handing the Wings a full two-man advantage.
That’s when Patrick Kane went to work.
With 28 seconds remaining in the period, Kane snapped a quick wrister that beat Kevin Lankinen short side for goal No. 499 — a classic Kane finish in a classic Kane moment. The goal made him the fifth American-born player in NHL history to reach that territory, trailing only Mike Modano (Westland), Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick, and Joe Mullen.
Detroit carried that momentum into the second — and never let go.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka Keeps Announcing Himself
Early in the second period, Axel Sandin-Pellikka jumped into the play at exactly the right moment. Trailing the rush, the rookie defenseman blew past coverage and buried a clean look to make it 2–0, continuing a season that’s rapidly becoming impossible to ignore.
Later, after Vancouver briefly pulled even, Detroit reasserted control.
On the Wings’ third goal, puck movement made the difference. Lucas Raymond and Sandin-Pellikka kept the play alive, James van Riemsdyk slipped a slick backhand feed from the side of the net, and J.T. Compher finished it home.
It was Compher’s first goal in 20 games, though he now has assists in four of his last seven — a sign his impact has remained even while the goals lagged.
The sequence summed up the night: movement, patience, and layers of support.
Kane Gets 500 — and the Building Explodes
Down 3–1 with just under five minutes remaining, Vancouver pulled its goalie.
Detroit knew exactly what it was doing next.
With roughly four minutes left, Kane hopped over the boards — and it took only seconds. A simple feed from Andrew Copp, a calm release into the empty net, and goal No. 500 was official.
The bench emptied. The crowd erupted. Kane became the 50th player in NHL history to reach the mark — and just the fifth American-born scorer to do it.
Empty net or not, history doesn’t come with an asterisk.
Raymond Punctuates It
Detroit wasn’t done.
Moments later, a Vancouver defender lost an edge, and Lucas Raymond pounced — collecting the puck and burying it cleanly for his second goal in as many games, sealing the 5–1 final.
When the Wings score four or more goals, they remain 17-0-2 — a stat that speaks to both offensive balance and game management.
Gibson Steady as the Foundation
While Kane and the kids grabbed the spotlight, John Gibson quietly delivered another elite performance.
Gibson stopped 23 of 24 shots, finishing with a .958 save percentage, never allowing Vancouver to build sustained belief after their lone second-period goal. He tracked pucks cleanly, controlled rebounds, and let Detroit’s skaters play aggressively knowing the back end was secure.
Stat Capsule 🏒
Final Score: Red Wings 5, Canucks 1
Shots: Detroit 25, Vancouver 24
Scoring (DET)
- Kane (PP) – 1st
- Sandin-Pellikka – 2nd
- Compher – 2nd
- Kane (ENG, 500th) – 3rd
- Raymond – 3rd
Game Leaders
- Patrick Kane: 2 goals (499 & 500)
- Axel Sandin-Pellikka: 1 goal, 1 assist (2nd multi-point game — both vs VAN)
- John Gibson: 23 saves (.958 SV%)
Team Notes
- Detroit: 17-0-2 when scoring 4+ goals
- Sandin-Pellikka: 2nd among NHL rookie defensemen in goals
- Power Play: Detroit 1-for-2
Bigger Picture
This wasn’t just a milestone night — it was a total team win.
Detroit absorbed an early push, capitalized when the opportunity arrived, and closed the door without letting the game drift. It was structured, confident hockey — the kind that wins in March and April.
And on this night, it just happened to come with a number that will live forever.
Food for Thought 🤔
Kane, now with 500 goals, is just 62 goals away from overtaking Mike Modano as the all-time U.S.-born goal-scoring leader. Do you think he can do it? Drop a comment below, or join the conversation in the Red Wings Wheelhouse — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
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