Red Wings’ Patrick Kane scores 500th goal of NHL career

One of the best players of all time has hit a significant milestone.

On Thursday night, Detroit Red Wings forward Patrick Kane scored the 500th goal of his NHL career, becoming the 50th player in league history to achieve the feat.

The historic goal came late in the third period against the Vancouver Canucks. Kane, who had already scored once in the game, iced a Red Wings victory by potting an empty-netter, making the score 4-1.

The Red Wings went on to win the game, 5-1.

Kane is the second player to hit 500 goals this season, as Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares also hit the half-millennium plateau in late October. Kane is also just the fifth American-born player to score 500 in his NHL career, joining the likes of Joe Muller, Jeremy Roenick, Mike Modano and Keith Tkachuk.

With his two goals against Vancouver, the Buffalo native also has 1,369 points in his career, just five back of tying Modano for the most points by someone born in the U.S.

The 500-goal club is one of many that the 37-year-old joined in his Hall-of-Fame career. He’s one of just 38 players to have reached 1,300 points in the NHL, currently sitting tied for 28th all-time with Boston Bruins legend Johnny Bucyk. If he plays his cards right, Kane can become just the 23rd player to post 1,400 points.

Kane’s trophy case is decorated with his days with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Calder Trophy winner won the Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in 2015-16. He also won three Stanley Cups with the Hawks, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2013.

In 30 games this season, Kane has eight goals and 18 assists for 26 points.