Stars take down Red Wings 4-1 with opening minute goals in the 1st & 2nd periods

Talk about a very fast start for the Stars. Two quick goals both in the opening minute of both the first and 2nd periods were huge parts in getting the Stars over the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 where the Stars have their first 3 game winning streak since the middle of the 2008-2009 season. On a night where Mike Modano took a homecoming bow during the game's first TV Timeout, they were intended to dampen the Red Wings hopes as they have dominated the Stars on home ice in recent years.

What were seeing from the Stars is a building confidence that the Stars can be one of the big NHL Surprise stories this season as Kari Lehtonen has gotten off to a great start in all 3 games, Brad Richards took his early scoring total to 7 points with another goal and 2 assists, James Neal plugged in his first goal of the year while Riberio is quickly looking to put his arrest ordeal behind him by 2 assists and Brendan Morrow is quickly putting his off-season last year to rest with another great performance.

During the first TV Timeout of the game, the fans gave Mike Modano a standing obviation. One of the best signs showed "90 is just a number while #9 is forever" just to name a few. With the game already put away Midway through the 3rd period, Nickolas Kronwall scored the Red Wings only goal of the game to make it the 4-1 final where the only value proved to be to just end Kari Lehtonen's Shutout attempt.

This takes Dallas to 3-0 with the St. Louis Blues coming to town on Saturday Night, while the Red Wings continue their road trip to Phoenix to take on the Coyotes tomorrow night.

Detroit Red Wings VS. Dallas Stars Game Highlights

Detroit Red Wings 1  Dallas Stars 4  (0-1, 0-3, 1-0)

Game Story from John Tranchina the Dallas Stars Website

From Dallas: What was supposed to be an emotional return of the former face of the franchise turned into a dominating performance at both ends of the rink and a statement by the Stars that a team to be reckoned with this season.

With former icon Mike Modano back in time for the first time was wearing number 90 for the first time as a visitor, the Stars brushed the nostalgic emotion aside and throttled the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in their home opener Thursday Night in front of a sell out crowd at American Airlines Center of 18,532.

And in the end, it didn't really matter that Modano was wearing number 90 for the Stars Biggest Rivals, just that Dallas was able to take down one of the NHL's best teams in conving fashion.

The Stars have improved to 3-0-0 on the young  season, putting together their first three game winning streak since January 2009.

Offensively, the Stars scored within the first minute in each of the first two periods and built up a four goal lead heading into the 3rd period.

Brad Richards lead the way with a goal and 2 assists, linemate James Neal had a goal and an assist and Loui Eriksson and Captain Brendan Morrow also found the back of the net. Mike Riberio continued his hot start to the season by adding two assists.

In goal, Kari Lehtonen delivered another outstanding outing, making 25 saves.

"Overall, I was comfortable there and it was a big game, with Mike back here and the home opener, so it was nice to have a good game and get the two points," Lehtonen said.

"We had a real strong night from Kari, he looked really comfortable tonight," Coach Crawford said. "What's nice about it, it doesn't even look like it that's much effort and when it looks as natural as he's making it look, you have to give him a great deal of credit of preparation and for his reading of the play. Most of the time he has very controlled, he was in position, he was on the shot, and that's the sign of a guy that's seeing the puck well."

Also helping the Stars cause was a solid performance on the penalty kill. After entering the league last, having nullified just 5-of-9 power play opposition, Dallas killed off the first four Detroit Man Advantage's opportunities before a late meanless, tally.

"I think they are so many good things to come from the victory tonight," Crawford said. "We scored early in the first and second periods and any time you do that, it gives a team such a lift. We got another outstanding goaltending performance from Kari Lehtonen, I thought our penalty killing was real good tonight. That's a dangerous power play. Other then scoring with 10 seconds left on the last penalty, we really did a terrific job - a big part of getting the saves. And I thought our defense as a whole unit tonight was very good. That's a challenging group of forwards on the other side."

Up 1-0 heading into the 2nd period despite being out-shot 7-3 in the first, the Stars quickly jumped out by two on Eriksson struck for his third of the year just 44 seconds in. Richards slid a ninfty pass out from behind the net out front where Eriksson snapped it between Detroit Goalie goaltender Chris Osgood pads and in.

"It was good to get that second goal and start the second period with a little momentum and a little attacking and we just kept going," Richards on scoring the goal.

The Stars made it a 3 goal advantage on Morrow's fourth of the young season off a fortunate bounce at 7:03. On the rush into the Detroit Zone, Riberio fed it to Morrow, and as he entered the left faceoff circle, the Dallas Captain attempted a cross ice pass that ricocheted off Red Wings Defender Brad Stuart and in.

It was almost 4-0 when Toby Petersen sped away on a short handed breakaway after stealing the puck from Wings Defensemen Niklas Kronwall and Dallas Blue Line, but Osgood denied his slap shot from the top of the left circle.

Dallas did reach four with 3:34 in the 2nd, an outstanding power play by Neal netted him his first of the season. After receiving a backhanded pass from Richards into the left corner, Neal outbetted Stewart in front of the puck and then jammed a backhander pass Osgood.

"James was strong on the goal that he got - he stayed on it, kept banging away," said Crawford, "and you can see that maybe part of his increased strength and better conditioning this year to be able to stay in those fights a bit longer.

Carrying a commanding a 4-0 lead into the final period despite registering 11 shots on goal, the Stars had to withstand a Detroit Surge and thanks primarily to Lehtonen, wheatherd the storm.

The Red Wings ended Lehtonen's shutout bid with 8:35 remaining on the power play. Todd Bertuzzi's slick pass from the right goalpost that found Kronwall's backdoor, sneaking into the left circle and resulting a one timer slipped past the diving Lethonen.

At that point, Detroit was outshooting the Stars 10-1 in the period. Something that seems to be turning into the trend for Dallas, something that is turning out to be a trend for Dallas. But the Stars stabilized things after that. Brandon Segal raced on a breakaway a couple of minutes later, and Dallas defended well through the final few minutes to defend the win.

Lehtonen didn't seem to mind that the Stars were out-shot 12-4 in the 3rd period.

"That's something that you enjoy, when the goals are already 4-0, you're enjoying the moment and when things are going your way, you don't have to think to much," he said. "Overall, I felt good and it's a great win."

With Modano on the ice for the opening faceoff, the stars quickly defused some of the bubbling emotion with a power play goal. Stuwart was whistled for boarding just 28 seconds into the game and the Stars Power Play unit needed just 13 seconds to convert, as Richards ripped a slap shot from the left point through a screened Osgood for his second goal of the season.

Some of the emotion returned at the first TV Time Out, when Modano was shown on the scoreboard video screen with the inscription, "Think You Mike" and received a standing ovation that appeared to bring the Stars fans icon to the brink of tears as he acknowledged the sell out crowd with a couple of waves.

"It was really nice. It is great to see, back to see familiar faces," Modano said. "There was a world of emotions and memories." A lot of special things have gone on where. I was involved in getting the game off the ground and helping to promote the game of hockey here in Texas. It was fun to play here."

"After 20 years in Dallas and in that uniform, it's a little different to see him in red and white," Morrow acknowledged. "You try not think about it after a shift and conecrate on what you need to do. But i'd be lying if I said it wasn't strange to see him in red and white."

The Stars had a golden opportunity to go up by two on the 2nd power play at 9:32, when Eriksson fed a pass from the left corner through the crease to Morrow low in the right circle for a long time, but Osgood made a spectacular shoulder save on it.

The Stars remain home for a date with the St. Louis Blues Saturday Night (7:30 PM), with a chance to make it 4 in a row.

"We're gaining some momentum and we really like the way we're playing," said Richards.

Jack Campbell blogs from Traverse City Prospects Tournament

With the NHL Prospects Tournament going on in Traverse City, Michigan right now. Dallas Stars first Round Pick is blogging and discussing his thoughts as he goes through his first taste of being a pro in Michigan. He's blogging this week from the camp and you can see what's he talking and thinking about during the tournament.

You can check it out on the NHL Website. So far, the Stars are 1-1 with a 6-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, it was followed by a much better performance and a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Today is a day off for the Stars before they return on the ice Tuesday Afternoon against the Tampa Bay Lighting.

Here's Jack Campbells Blog

Here's a look at how the Stars have looked from the first two games of the Prospects Tournament in Michigan.

Dallas falls to Detroit 6-1

Dallas VS. Detroit Boxscore


Dallas Beats St. Louis 4-1

Dallas VS. St. Louis Boxscore

Mike Modano officially signs with Detroit

After several months of speculation and drama on where the Dallas Stars' all time Star was going to end up, he has signed a one year contract with the Detroit Red Wings where he may ultimately end his career in his home town.

From the Detroit Red Wings Press Release: http://redwings.nhl.com

Mike Babcock expressed his firm belief that the Red Wings would sign Mike Modano when he gave an exc. interview to the National Hockey League Website last month. Now that it has come true, with the team announcing Thursday that he signed a one year deal and that it would welcome Modano in a News Conference Friday, Babcock is not the least bit surprised.

"We think he would be a good fit for us and excited to play for us and we think he'll have a real good year," Babcock said. "If he comes to us I'm a big believer he'll end up playing again next year too, too. I think he's got that kind of legs left in him. And, remember, he's not coming here to be the guy; he's coming here to be one of the guys."

Modano became a free agent when the Dallas Stars opted not to resign him. He reportly drew interest from other teams, but in the end, he decided to return to the city where he played his youth hockey.

"Detroit pushed very hard from the start," Modano told the Morning News Mike Heika. "There want me there, they think I can help, and they're very open about it. That was neat. It's such a good org. and they really really believe they're going to have a great team this year. They said the injuries were ridiculous last year, and they're ready to bounce back from that. I really think they're a team where you can think about winning it all."

Modnao confirmed to the Dallas Morning News that he'll be in Detroit on Friday for a news conference to announce the signing. Red Wings GM Ken Holland told http://redwings.nhl.com that Modano a unique niche with the Wings.

"I've been patient, I guess, because it's not like saying, 'We need a player and it's not Mike Modano we're sitting on the sidelines and players are moving,"' Holland said. "We're probably going to the Helm and Abdelkadar anyway. I just though when Mike Modano hit the market back on July 1 that it was a unique situation, because he's a local Little Caesars' player that is one of the greatest American Born players ever, and he can still skate."

Babcock, who has been stumping to get Modano to get on the roster for a while now, sees his options for line combos and power play units growing. He also sees the Red Wings getting back to being the puck possession team that won the Stanley Cup in 2008 and Played in Game 7 back in 2009.

"We're trying to get back to being the Red Wings, not like last year when we were taped together all year, had no depth and we rode people too hard so when we got the playoffs we were exhausted," Babcock said. "We think Nick Lindstrom has some left in him, but not if we're defending all the time. We need to get the puck and go. Our goal is to be loaded up."

Modano fits into that philosophy because he would give the Wings another scoring option. In 1,459 career games, he has 1,359 points - more points then any other U.S. Born Player in NHL History.

"What he is just another guy that can score, another guy that you have to worry about a little bit," Babcock said.

Modano said he's looking forward to playing for Babcock.

"He's such a great coach," he told the Morning News. "You talk to guys like Brenden Morrow who played for him at the Olympics, and they say he runs practices and the way he makes desicions in a game, it just gives you a lot of confidence. You just feels like you're playing on a winning team."

To see the Full Press Release, Click Here

Is Modano to Detroit only a matter of time?

Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock told the NHL Website late last night that the Detroit Red Wings are close to signing the Stars Legend to a deal that would take him back to his home town. Growing up in nearby Livonia, Michigan.

Modano going to Detroit was something that I thought would really get his interest and with the team looking to get back to the Cup after having one of their worst seasons in 20 years, he would eventuality bring experience and leadership to a fantastic Red Wings team.

It would be really bizarre and weird to see him in a Red Wings uniform knowing the huge rivalry that the Stars & Red Wings have. Surprisingly I don't have a problem with him going to the Red Wings as that is his hometown and a chance to end his career and possibly win one last Stanley Cup Chance would be a great end to a historic career for the Stars.

Just a reminder everyone, the Stars play Detroit in the Team's Opener on October 14.

Here's part of an article written by George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press written earlier today. www.freep.com

Mike Modano is going to play for the Detroit Red Wings next season, and the season after that - at least if you believe Wings Head Coach.

"This is a no brainer for Mike Modano - the highest scoring American Player of all time to comeback to play for your hometown, play in Hockeytown," Babcock told the National Hockey League Website. "It's not about the cash, it's about the legacy and the fit. He'll fit, and he'll be excited to play. I look forward to him signing. I think that's inevitable. I think that's what is going to happen."

Of Course, Babcock could be 100% wrong. Modano, 40, is being courted by other teams, too.

"I think this is all going to work out; I'm pretty certain of that for us. But I've been around here before, and if you told me that Jiri Hudler was leaving for Russia, I wouldn't have believed it," Babcock said. "I've been wrong. Some people think I have the market cornered on being wrong."

Check this Link to see the Full Article: www.freep.com/article/20100716/SPORTS05/100716053/1354/Babcock-Inevitable-that-Modano-will-join-Wings

In addition to the Detroit Free Press Article, Jean-Jacques Taylor wrote about how Modano needs to keep his ego out of the Decision of finding out where he will play in the 2010-2011 season.

Here's part of the Jean-Jacques Taylor Article: www.dallasnews.com

Mike Modano should wear the hated Detroit Red Wings Red Sweater this season as long as he's playing because he can't imagine life without hockey - not because his ego needs some TLC. It's easy to see why Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk made the difficult, but correct, decision to inform Modano that he'd played his last season for the Dallas Stars.

Like most superstars, especially those who spend the bulk of his career with one team, Modano feels a certain sense of entitlement. Talk to enough people within the organization and they'll tell you that Modano, while still likable, has become a curmudegon over the last couple of seasons. In Dallas, he's the face of the franchise, the best player to ever wear a Stars Sweater. Here, every forward gets compared to Modano.

Here, he's the standard.

That's why Modano could never be a role player with the Stars. It's too hard on his ego. It's no different then why running back Eddie George took the same money in 2004 to be a backup for the Cowboys instead of the same role in Tennessee, where he had been the face of the franchise.

No former great player wants to hear ever wants to be told his role is changing. They always see themselves the way they always have been - and it doesn't matter whatever its Modano, Emmitt Smith, Ken Griffey Jr. or Michael Jordan.

The Great ones rarely believe their skill has diminished. Or they're not capable of dominating. They usually wind up complaining about the system or the coach in a never-ending quest to explain why their performance has slipped.

Still, just like Brett Farve, Modano has earned the right to decide whetever he wants to play another season, even if it'centerning the third line in Detroit between a couple of talented wingers such as Dan Cleary and Jiri Hudler on a team with six players at least 35. If Modano wants to play for Minnesota, San Jose or Anaheim, teams that have also expressed interest, that's cool too.

Frankly, players should never listen to fans or management tell them when it times to retire.

Fans are fickle, their opinions tend to sway based on the athletes last performance, and management always puts the team first. Every single time.

To see the Full Article: www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/hockey/stars/stories/071410dnspotaylorcol.1e0738c.html