Even Patrick Kane admitted he was probably a little too excited to celebrate a goal that put his team up 5-1 Sunday.

Kane had just scored in the third period, thanks to some nifty stickhandling in front of Sabres goaltender Robin Lehner, and this goal was a chance to flex for his hometown of Buffalo. Kane was going to relish the opportunity to rejoice. He went screaming toward the boards, where he was joined by his teammates.

“I don't even know what I was saying after that,” Kane said. “I kind of blacked out in that moment. A little bit too jacked up for a 5-1 goal too. But it's always fun to score in Buffalo.”

There was another reason for Kane to be happy. It was his 20th goal of the season, marking the 10th time Kane has scored 20 or more goals in his 10 NHL seasons.

“It's a pretty cool number,” Kane said. “I don't think it's something where you ever want to set goals or certain things like that, you just want to come to play every night and try to do what you're supposed to do. But it's always nice to reach those milestones. Hopefully a few more left to come.”

Kane, 28, said it was “almost sad” to think he is in his 10th season.

“At the same time, I still feel really good on the ice, still feel maybe not as young as I used to be, but still feel pretty young and fortunate to be with this franchise and on a great team,” Kane said. “Hopefully a lot of great years left.”

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