Patrick Kane one point away from surpassing Mike Modano as NHL’s all-time U.S.-born scoring record

Patrick Kane is one point away from history, but the moment arrived without celebration. The Detroit Red Wings’ veteran forward tied Mike Modano’s long-standing NHL record for points by a U.S.-born player on Tuesday night, reaching 1,374 career points. It came quietly, during a loss, and in circumstances that reflected Kane’s current reality, focused more on team results than personal milestones. There was no dramatic game-winner or postgame ceremony. Detroit trailed late, pulled its goalie, and Kane picked up a secondary assist on Alex DeBrincat’s goal with just over two minutes remaining. The Red Wings still fell 3-1 to the Los Angeles Kings at Little Caesars Arena, leaving Kane’s historic moment suspended between pride and frustration. Kane’s tying point may not have unfolded as a storybook scene, but it placed him squarely on the edge of an achievement that has stood since 2007. Modano’s record has long symbolized American excellence in the NHL, set during an era when elite U.S. scoring forwards were still the exception. Kane now represents the modern evolution of that lineage.At 37, Kane’s pursuit hasn’t been smooth. Injuries have interrupted his rhythm throughout the season, including a recent six-game absence due to an upper-body issue. Since returning in late December, his production has been steady rather than explosive, with eight points in 15 games. One of those goals marked the 500th of his career, another reminder of the mileage and legacy he carries.Coach Todd McLellan acknowledged the tension between team disappointment and individual history. Detroit is firmly in a playoff push, and losses matter. Still, Kane’s presence has helped stabilize the lineup and elevate key moments, similar to how Alex Ovechkin’s chase of Wayne Gretzky’s goal record energized Washington last season.The context matters. Detroit is 8-2-1 in its last 11 games and sits near the top of the Atlantic Division standings. Kane isn’t chasing a record on a rebuilding roster. He’s doing it on a team trying to return to the postseason for the first time in a decade.Breaking Modano’s mark feels inevitable. Kane knows it. His teammates know it. What remains unresolved is when and whether it comes with two points in the standings. For Kane, that distinction still matters. One more point will make history. Doing it in a win would make it complete.