The more things change, the more they stay the same. Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings have grown sick and tired of accepting that reality in the NHL. Despite Todd McLellan’s appointment as head coach midway through the past season, the end product remained identical. It’s now been nine straight years without making the Stanley Cup Playoffs for Detroit.
Needless to say, something must change. But what? Some may point to particular pieces of the lineup, while others with more radical views will call for Steve Yzerman to lose his job. Regardless of which stance is correct, things can’t continue as they have in Detroit. The show can’t go on — and ‘Showtime’ was the one to speak up after yet another disheartening NHL season.
Kane couldn’t help but feel a mix of angst and nostalgia watching the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Especially as he saw a veteran like Brad Marchand tear up the league and hoist his second Stanley Cup. Kane couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if he were in Marchand’s place. But he isn’t sitting around waiting for change; he’s determined to create his own luck.
The scenes definitely lit a fire under Kane, who has decided to take matters into his own hands ahead of his third full season with the Red Wings. In that time, the 36-year-old veteran has yet to play meaningful hockey in the spring or summer. Hoping to spark a sense of urgency in head coach McLellan and the rest of the Red Wings, Kane issued a sincere statement.
“It sucks being in your couch watching [the Stanley Cup Playoffs],” Kane admitted during an interview on ESPN Chicago. “When you’re watching, you think about what it would be like in that situation if you’re playing. Hopefully this year we’ll get back to the playoffs, and be able to compete. It’s tough watching when you feel you should be in those situations.”
It’s Showtime for a reason
Nothing can ever match the adrenaline of a Stanley Cup Playoff game—especially in close contests where a single fortunate bounce of the puck can determine which team moves on and which one packs its bags. When push comes to shove, there are few players any team would rather have than prime Patrick Kane, the Heartbreak Kid.
“I always loved playing in playoffs, especially when the games are tight and it goes to overtime. You’re thinking about different memories,” Kane added. “About what you had when going into the locker room and just thinking about what’s going to happen. Trying to be the guy who scores the goal. So, yeah, I miss it for sure.”
Kane’s numbers certainly back his words. The former Blackhawk has scored 11 game-winning goals in the playoffs throughout his NHL career. Moreover, he is tied for third-most overtime goals in the playoffs with five tallies in sudden death.
No reunion
As Jonathan Toews geared up for his return to the NHL, it was hard to overlook a potential reunion between the star duo. However, it might be for the best for the iconic connection to remain exclusive to the city of Chicago.
“[Toews] is going to have an incredible reception and ovation when he comes back [to Chicago],” Kane said. “If you had ask us five, six years ago, we’d probably tell you we were going to finish with the Blackhawks and play for one team. But it’s cool to get some different experiences and play for different franchises. See what else is out there a little bit. I think it’s important that he’s feeling good and is able to come back.”
New home
Kane witnessed it firsthand, as he moved out of Chicago and found another home in Detroit. Such a scenario would have been unimaginable in the past for the teenager that was taken first overall in 2007.
SURVEY Which of these non-playoff teams from last season has the best chances of making the postseason?
Which of these non-playoff teams from last season has the best chances of making the postseason?
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“When you’re in Chicago, Detroit is such a rival. You never think you’re going to play for them. Never really crossed my mind,” Kane added. “But it really is a great spot to play. The fans have really embraced me. I enjoy being a Red Wing now. Like I said, you think you’re going to be in on e place forever. It doesn’t really work out, not everyone can do that. Detroit’s been a great place for me to play and continue my career.”