Kane scores dramatic OT winner in return to Chicago

It had to be him.

Patrick Kane reminded Chicago Blackhawks fans of the glory days Sunday, burying the overtime winner with a top-shelf breakaway goal in his first game at his old stomping grounds as a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

"Just a lot of emotions right now, scoring that goal, being back here, being on a different team," Kane said, according to The Athletic's Mark Lazerus. "Just tried to show the fans there at the end they'll always have my heart here."

Chicago welcomed Kane back with a lengthy standing ovation and video tribute in the first period. He took another victory lap to salute the United Center faithful after scoring in the extra frame.

"Just so special," Kane said, per Lazerus. "You don't expect anything less from the Blackhawks with the tribute. (I) didn't know if I did enough laps or too many laps. The guys kept telling me to go for another one, go for another one. Some of them wanted to see four, I only did three."

The 35-year-old also assisted Alex DeBrincat's equalizer late in regulation. Kane finished the contest with two points and four shots on goal across 18 minutes. He has 28 points in 27 games this season.

Kane spent the first 16 years of his career with the Blackhawks after they drafted him first overall in 2007. He ranks second in franchise history with 1,225 points while sitting third in goals (449) and games played (1,161). During his tenure, Kane helped Chicago win three Stanley Cups and earned a Calder Trophy, Art Ross, Hart Trophy, and Conn Smythe.

He scored 67 regular-season game-winning goals as a Blackhawk and added 11 more in the playoffs.

Chicago traded Kane to the New York Rangers last year before he hit unrestricted free agency. He signed a one-year deal with Detroit after undergoing offseason hip surgery.