Curious why Patrick Kane’s injury has taken him out of the Detroit Red Wings’ lineup? An upper-body issue has sidelined the star winger, sparking questions about his status and how the team plans to navigate this pivotal stretch of the season.
Let’s explore what we know, how the Red Wings are adapting, and how this could impact their playoff hopes.
How did Patrick Kane get injured?
Patrick Kane, the Detroit Red Wings’ star winger, sustained an upper-body injury and missed Thursday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, head coach Todd McLellan confirmed.
Kane reportedly suffered the injury during the Red Wings’ January 19 game against the Dallas Stars. He briefly left the ice but returned to finish the game. He played again on January 23 against the Philadelphia Flyers. The team has now listed him as day-to-day.
Kane, 36, has been a key player for Detroit this season, scoring 11 goals and 19 assists in 42 games. Before his injury, he was on a hot streak, recording 16 points in 10 games. Kane excelled on the power play with 15 points. He joined the Red Wings in November 2023 as a free agent after a 16-year career with the Chicago Blackhawks, where he won three Stanley Cups.
With Kane sidelined, Detroit turns to Vladimir Tarasenko to step up. Tarasenko has struggled this season, scoring just six goals in 46 games. Now, he gets a chance to excel on the second line with Alex DeBrincat and Andrew Copp. Head coach Todd McLellan views this as a crucial opportunity for Tarasenko, who joined the team to help replace last season’s departed top scorers.
The Red Wings sit seventh in the Atlantic Division but remain in the playoff race, just five points behind a wildcard spot. Kane’s recovery and Tarasenko’s performance in his expanded role will be key as Detroit tries to end its playoff drought, ongoing since 2016.
