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.

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

Modano Reaction from Ralph Strangis

As fallout from Mike Modano leaving the Dallas Stars continues. People and media from around the D/FW Area are giving their reaction about the franchise star leaving the team after being with the org. for over 20 years and in Dallas for the last 17. Here's some thoughts from Dallas Stars Play-By-Play Announcer Ralph Strangis.

From the Dallas Stars Website: www.dallasstars.com

I've been really busy the last few weeks. I know - sounds impossible to believe that a guy with my summer schedule actually gets "busy" - but a little travel - a little corporate work - a little entertaining sponsors in Vegas for the NHL Awards Ceremony - and you get - a little busy.

So I was unable to go to either Joe or Mike's respective press conference. Watched them both on the Dallas Stars website. Spoke to Joe. Traded a text with Mike. Talked to my organizational pals. Like that.

And because of all this running around lately - I haven't really had the time to let it sink all in. Mike Modano has officially played his last game with the Stars. Didn't know how that would feel to type it out - but I got though it alright.

I've known Mike for over 20 years. Literally watched each other grow up. I know - some would debate that for either or both but let's get weighed down here.

What Joe said - "his contributions are immeasurable." No other way to see it. Can't measure what he's done for this team, the game, the city, USA Hockey. No way to measure it. No way possible to quantify that. So were on the same page.

Then I get some emails about how we can do this to Mike. Totally understandable. I mean c'mon - if your Stars fans - how can you NOT be affected by this? And sometimes in my case things can come out sideways but i gotta get it out. So I get it out. So when I answer these emails I always begin with something like "part of what Mike helped us do here is create a really passionate fan base - and so thank you for sharing your passion with us."

Comes a time when everyone is done. No way around that either. What I've seen is generally the guy is the last guy to think it's time. Can't blame him for that - sort of Darwinian, hard-weird survival instincts or something. Then add the high achieving world class rock star athlete to the mix. Almost always somebody else has to make the call.

You know - I have been here a long time. But this job wasn't created so I can be the Stars Play-By-Play guy and an ambassador. Some day somebody else will have it. That's how it works. The wheel turns, deal with it.

Here's what I hope. That If I can do keep doing this job for a bunch more years - but then things start to go - you know - eyesight - memory - cadence - timing - sharpness - energy - any or all the things that I rely on every day. Well if I'm still here and they start going and I can't do this anymore but I can't do or don't walk to think about that - well here's what I hope.

I hope that they will be a guy on the airplane and around toward the end who is my friend and who knows exactly what I'm going through because he just went through it. That he'll talk to me and drop hints and be there for me when the time comes.

I hope hes the guy that says to me - "Ralphie - we love ya - and you've been a really good guy for us here - and we'll work to find a place for you in the organization... but buddy boy - you can't do play-by-play anymore."

I know i'd be pissed at first. Guaranteed. But I also know that I would be supremely fortunate if I could have a guy there for me like that. Most guys aren't that lucky. I hope if and when that happens I remember how much better it is for me that is someone like that and not somebody else who doesn't know me or understand what I'm going through and doesn't care anyway.

And hope I remember that the wheel does turn. That's the deal.

Modano's Exit Tough To Take, but he Should have known it was coming

Kevin Sherrington's recent column in the Dallas Morning News posts that the Stars need to start moving forward and help create a new era for the Dallas Stars moving forward.

From Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News: www.dallasnews.com

When NHL Players say goodbye after 20 years with the only club that he had ever known, they shouldn't look so good doing it. The party in question should be a bow legged, beat up geezer, bent and creaking praying that his eyes don't leak and his dentures hold.

Mike Modano came in Wednesday looking like he's taken a wrong turn on the way to a GQ Photo Shoot. Sharp Suit and Great Tan, nose in place with his hair and teeth intact.

40 years old never looked so good on anyone, much less a guy who swings a stick for living. But not scars are so apparent. Given another 24 hours to consider the end of his fabulous career as a Star, Modano made the most of itin his last Dallas News Conference.

"All good things.... all bad things that happen turn out to be a blessing in disguise," he said. "Maybe this is one of those." Let's hope so. Let's hope as time goes by, he gets a better sense of Joe Nieuwendyk's predicament and the state of the Stars in general.

Let's hope if he blames anybody, it's Tom Hicks. Of course, he'll have to get in line. Or hire a lawyer.

Modano's days in Dallas might not be over if ownership wasn't quite in question and the team's prospects were better. But its a young, rebuilding club. There's no place anymore for a 40 year old fourth line center with Modano's skill set.

What's not yet clear is whetever Modano understands just what happened and why. It wouldn't be the first time. For better or worse, the Stars were always trying to tell Modano something he didn't get on his own.

When he became coach, Ken Hitchcock told Modano he'd have to work hard defensively. He was addressing one of the game's most gifted players, a man who would become the all time leading point scorer among U.S. Born Players. Defense? It was like using a maserati to drive a carpool.

As Modano once said of Hitch's command, "That kind of went 180 against what I was thinking."

But it was the best for the Stars, and it was the best for Modano. He showed a side of his game previously unexposed. Playing with a cast on his broken wrist in the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals, Modano still didn't know how much to ask of himself. Going into Game 5, he said he'd been hanging around, waiting for something to happen. Then Hitchcock, who called Modano his "X-Factor", asked what kind of player he was going to be.

He responded by assisting on both goals in the pivotal Game 5. He didn't have a single goal in the series. But the Stars couldn't have hoisted the Cup without his gritty, gutsy play. Standings on a makeshift podium in a Buffalo locker room in the early morning afterglow, Modano realized how far he'd come.

"The scouting report said I was a very soft one way player," he said. He managed little else before his emotions overwhelmed him. Exiting the platform, he found his fathers shoulder and buried his head in it, barely coming up for air.

Even though the Stars helped him shed the soft image, Modano never seemed to learn that it was a tough love relationship. He was angry and hurt when they stripped him of the Captain C. But he really wasn't really the captain. He was "Upset and disappointed" when they told him they were turning the page, but he should have seen it coming.

Nieuwendyuk tried to tell him. His great career came to an end, too. He knows the feeling. "We talked about a lot of things during the season," the GM Said. "We even talked about how it's tough to find things in common with the young guys.

"I was trying to be as respectful as I could." Maybe that was the problem. Nieuwendyk should have come at him plain and simple, like Hitch did.

Nieuwendyk says he never would have given Modano a do-or-die ultimatum. If he had, it might have led to a cleaner separation. Not many Cowboys fans resent the fact that Jerry Jones fired Tom Landry. They just didn't like how he went about it. Nieuwendyk could have waited another week. Let Modano test the free agent market on the side. See if there's any interest.

Then if he didn't like what he heard, Modano could held his news conference first, and it would have seemed like his idea. Nieuwendyk didn't consider that option, either. He didn't get the idea that Modano was close to a decision. He simply couldn't wait.

Now were left to consider a divorice messier then it needed to be and the possibility that, like Emmitt Smith, Modano could finish his career in a jersey in another color. Even as he mulls his options, he concedes it doesn't seem right."

No it doesn't. But its his preogative. And give him this: He sure looks like he could still play. He hardly seems a day older then when he showed up on our doorstep in 1993, a baby-faced kid careening fast and smooth down a sheet of ice, head up, the whole world in front of him. Like Hockey in Dallas, he grew up before our eyes, and not without growing pains. But for two decades he remained the face of the franchise. And what a face it was.

Mike Modano Poll Question

With Mike Modano now officially released from the team. The new poll question is simply what do you want him to do now with free agency starting tomorrow. Should he play for another team to maybe have one last shot at another Stanley Cup or do you want him to retire as a career long Dallas Star?

I want to hear your comments and post some of your favorite Mike Modano moments in a Dallas Stars Uniform as well.

My Quick Take: Also why on earth was the Mike Modano Press Conference not televised live this morning. Especially on a network like FSN Southwest where they cover the Stars all season long. Well today, were talking about the end of an era and a lot of people would have liked to see it today as people wanted to see what he had to say this morning.

Mike Modano Highlight Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7LiHe4_b_o

www.wfaa.com/video/featured-videos/Modano-gives-reaction-to-his-release-from-the-Dallas-Stars-97494004.html

You can also tweet me at http://twitter.com/tanman9

This Question is simple folks.

Should he Announce his Retirement

Sign for another NHL Team

Mike Modano Press Conference on the Ticket

Mike Modano's Press Conference about him getting released will be getting underway in a couple of minutes that you can listen to on Sports Radio 1310 the Ticket. Tune your radios, turn up your Internet stream or if you have an IPhone, tune it to the Ticket to hear Mike Modano's comments as we hear from the Ex Dallas Star for the first time since getting released yesterday.

http://www.theticket.com/

Click on the Link and find the Big Green Button that says listen here for the live stream.

ESPN Dallas Article on Modano leaving the Stars

Here's a look at an article by Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas on the end of the Mike Modano Era of the Dallas Stars.

By Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: http://espn.go.com/dallas

The Dallas Stars are not going to offer Mike Modano a contract for next season, general manager Joe Nieuwendyk said Tuesday, ending the Modano era with the franchise.

Nieuwendyk said the club decided it was time to move forward with a younger group and that Modano doesn't fit into those plans. Modano has not decided whetever he's going to play next season.

"This decision doesn't come easy, but it's something I've been talking to Mike about for quite some time," Nieuwendyk said Tuesday, two days before free agency again in the NHL. "It's a difficult decision for fans and our entire org. I feel it's necessary for us to move forward under these trying times. We have young players that I believe have to be put in a position where they can be successful and unfortunately the depth of our team at the center position. I didn't anticipate Mikes role moving forward from a fourth line position and, in fact, we need to incorporate a different look there as well."

Nieuwendyk said he's talked to Modano about a place in the front office, through the role remains undefined.

"I'll be the first guy knocking on the new owner's door to have Mike as part of the org.," Nieuwendyk said. "We've talked about it at length. The league said this is an issue that has to be handled by the new ownership group coming in. Again, I think we're all beating the same drum: We want Mike Modano as a part of the org.

Later at a news conference, Nieuwendyk said he's realized Modano's popular standing within the franchise but felt it was time to move on.

"My job is on the ice," Nieuwndyk said. "I realize the impact Mike has had on the franchise from a selling point. You're not going to replace Mike Modano. He's been a special person and a special player for so many years in Dallas. But like all great players, at some point you have to turn the page. I feel like it's time we turn the page."

Modano told ESPN Dallas last week that he figured if he was going to play next season, next season it would not be in a Dallas Stars uniform.

"The more and more I looked into the situation, I come to believe I'm not in the scheme of things here," Modano said that. "If I had to play, I may have to look at going elsewhere."

Modano has spent his entire 22 year career with the Stars Org. He holds a gaggle of club records - he's the franchise leader in 15 statistical categories - and is the all time points (1359) and goals (557) leader among U.S. Born Players. All of them were collected as a part of the Stars Org.

He was drafted first overall in 1988 by the then Minnesota North Stars, and became the face of the Stars Franchise when the club moved to Dallas in 1993.

He helped the team win a Stanley Cup in 1999, when Nieuwendyk, then his teammate, won the Conn Smythe winner as Playoff MVP.

"I realized taking this job as GM I was going to be faced with difficult decisions. I've had to face some very tough decisions because I've played with some of these guys," Nieuwendyk said. "They are my friends". I have to do what I feel like is necessary. The Strength is with our young players. We have to find the next Mike Modano. We won't find the same Mike Modano, but we have some young players that want to push it to the next level."

Modano, who turned 40 earlier this month, played part of last season on the fourth line. He had 30 points, including 14 goals in 59 games. His final home game was a memorable one, as Modano scored to tie the game late in regulation and then in a shootout in a Stars win, and was given several rousing ovations in an emotional farewell.

His last game of the season was against the Wild in Minnesota, where he skated off the ice after the game wearing his old North Stars Jersey.

Modano becomes an unrestricted free agent Thursday. He said physically he still can play but has to decide if he wants to go through the grind of another season. Modano said last week that he's continued to work out as if he's playing again, and then he wanted to wait and see what the market bears for his services.

Stars forward Brad Richards said he understands management's decision to move forward with younger players, but they are going to miss Modano's presence.

"The NHL is getting younger because of budgets and I would imagine if we were on the cusp of a Stanley Cup, things might be different," said Richards via text. Richards led the team with 91 points last season. "I think Joe needs to see what these young guys can do and with the ownership problems, he has tough decisions concerning the budget."

Another forward, Steve Ott, added that Modano's departure impacts more then just the fans.

"Mike was a wonderful teammate, always happy, always joking around and having a good time," Ott said. "He brought that fun attitude to the rink. Those are the type of guys you can go to war with and battle with. He made it fun. That's why we play this game."

Stars Captain Brenden Morrow said the departures of Modano and free agent goalie Marty Turco will alter the leadership element in the Stars dressing room and on the ice.

"Those were two veterans I could lean on," Morrow said. "Marty was a vocal guy that others listened to. Mike provided so much with his presence. And when he did have something to say, it carried weight."

Dallas Stars releasing Modano: My Commentary

Well when the season ended back in Mid April for the Dallas Stars up in Minnesota. Their was a strong possibility that his Stars career would end where it began just over 20 years back in April. Now it's made official that the face of hockey in the state is moving on after 21 seasons with both the Minnesota North/Dallas Stars Franchise, the team is going to have to look for a new identify, a new direction and looking for new ways to succeed.

For Mike Modano, part of me wants him to retire to preserve the fact that he would play his entire career for one team as I got a chance to see his final home game back April 8 against the Anaheim Ducks. The huge ovation he got during the 3rd period, scoring the game tieing goal that got the game to OT, then scoring in the SO.

All the great moments from the team's debut, the great playoff moments from getting to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1999 and 2000 to winning the whole thing that long and tiring night in Buffalo in June of 1999. Also as a final respect to the team and the city that cheered for him for the last 17 years. Knowing that he won't be getting revenge or looking for any more milestones or possibility winning a 2nd Stanley Cup after back-to-back Cup Finals in 1999 and 2000.

This would be a good time for him to retire, he just turned 40 years old, theirs not much left for him when it comes down to milestones. He currently has 557 goals in his career which puts him in the 500 goal club. At his rate in recent years, it would take a long time for him to reach 600 even though he's only 43 away from that milestone.

In addition to the Stanley Cup, he also won the Silver Medal at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City as well. Most players usually retire in their late 30s/early 40's so he's pretty much on track right now. After just recently turning 40, this would be a good time because of where he is in his career. Not good enough to play in the Olympics again, another milestone mostly unlikely, but he will always have the memories and the fact that the number 9 in Green & Gold will always be remembered in the D/FW Area.

On the other-hand, I could also see him play again. Because of his lack of major injures in his career and on some nights, even this past season, he's still can bring his moments of magic that can turn games around and help support young players as they pro careers are just starting up.

If he could find a spot where he could be a strong 3rd line center on a team that could possibly be looking to win a Cup next year, it would not be surprising for him to comeback for a year or two. Every player has that fire to get all their can out of their careers. Whetever it's milestone, one more shot at a Cup or for love the game if nothing else.

For Stars fans, it will look weird not seeing him in a Dallas Jersey next year. This was just Like when Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Roger Stabuch or Nolan Ryan left their teams in D/FW Sports History. It happens to everybody at some point and fans may not like, but teams need to move on with a new group of players that's looking for their success and chances to win championships in the future.

Right now the Stars don't have just a lot of prospects and the ones they do have like Scott Glennie and Philipp Larsen need to start getting involved in the system. As for players like Jamie Benn, James Neal and Kari Lehtonen, their time is now to have a strong new group and bring hockey glory back to D/FW that we haven't had since 2008 when the team reached the Conference Finals. Their time is now and the spotlight will be on them now with Modano gone.

I congratulate him on all he's done from the Stanley Cup, the Olympic Silver Medal and he will always be a part of the Dallas Stars moving forward. He still got great moments to look forward to, like getting his jersey retired and being voted into the Hall of Fame. He will most likely be with the team's front office at some point after his playing days are over, regardless he decides to play next season or hang em up this summer.

So in conclusion, they is life beyond Mike Modano for Dallas Stars fans, also get a chance to learn about the up-and-comers to the club like Jamie Benn and James Neal as we will get to know them better in the future. Eventhough it may be tough and painful right now. When you look back at up, they will be still a lot of great moments to look back.

But at the same time, look forward to a new generation of Stars and more chances to see Stanley Cup Titles and maybe an event like the Frozen Four or the World Junior Championships that could come by here as the sport continues to grow in the future.

It's sad to see Modano, but never forget all the fun and success he had in his time as the face of the team.

Dallas Stars Press Conference on Modano

A press Conference from GM Joe Nieuwendyk, Head Coach Marc Crawford and Team Staff just started from the AAC in downtown Dallas. You can listen to it on the Sports Radio 1310 the Ticket right now you can listen to on your radio or online at http://www.theticket.com/

When you get on the Ticket Website, find the Green Button on the top of the screen that says "Listen Here".

In addition to Joe Nieuwendyk press Conference, it starting to look like that Mike Modano will be speaking about this sometime tomorrow. As for the TV Stations covering, you better have this televised tomorrow because were talking about the end of an era with one of the greatest players in this cities history. We're also talking about the man that put the sport on the map in this state and especially in the D/FW Area.

Update: Mike Modano will have his press Conference at 10:30 AM tomorrow from the AAC.

Modano on Future: Dallas not in the Scheme

Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas has wrote an article on the possible future for the Dallas Stars as he ponders what he will do as his contract expires on July 1. He mentions that if he does come back, it would be for someone else and not for the Stars or he could end up retiring depending on what kind of offers could come his way.

Personally, if he does play for somebody else. It would be a gut check for D/FW Sports Fans as he is among the a dying breed as he has played his entire career with the Minnesota/Dallas Franchise and it would look very weird for one thing. But also he has been relativity healthy for most of his career without just a lot of major injures. If a team could offer him a chance where he could be a strong 3rd line for a contender that he wouldn't have to worry about being one of the biggest and most important names on the team.

But if he does retire, he will remembered as one of the great athletes in D/FW Sports History for not just bringing the Stanley Cup to Dallas back in 1999 and coming close on a couple of other occasions in both Dallas & Minnesota. But helping a city help build the sport in an area that's gone from no knowledge of the game, to being one of the best hockey cities in the Sun Belt part of the country in just under 20 years.


From Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: http://espn.go.com/dallas/

Veteran free agent Mike Modano said he's going to wait until at least July before deciding on his future, but he sounds like a player who doesn't expect to return to the Dallas Stars.

"The more and more I look at the situation here, I come to believe i'm not in the scheme of things," Modano said Monday. "If I had to play, I may have to look at going elsewhere."

NHL Free Agency begins on July 1. At that point, Modano will see what kind of interest other teams have in him. But he hasn't decided if he wants to play for anybody but the Stars' org, which whom he has spent all 20 seasons - 16 in Dallas, four in Minnesota.

"It depends on what kind of interest and what teams," Modano said. "I'd probably take two or three weeks in that month and see who comes calling and if there's connection with those teams that call. I'd want to play for a competitive team, someone that might have a legitimate shot at winning it all."

Modano, who has 557 goals and 802 assists in his career, also said how he's used on the ice would factor on his decision.

"It depends on who i'd play and who I feel I can make some plays and make decisions on the ice," Modano said. "I just need help as far as quickness and pace of the game now." You can't make it work the way it used to with any given line-mate. You need help now".

Modano said he's continued his offseason workouts as if he's playing, which was his plan even before the season ended.

"You always feel you can still play," Modano said. "I'm working out like i'm going to play." If I do get an opportunity to do something, I'd be ready. If not, I'll come to the end of July and say, "That's it"

Modano acknowledged that it's never the same, for athletes that leave a longtime team and go somewhere else.

"It never seems to be a fit," he said. "Brett Farve is the only one I can think of in the last half-dozen or so years that it worked out. That's why it would depend on who's on the team, who the coach is, do I have a relationship with guys on the team. You have to go to a good, challenging, competitive team."

Stars VP Brett Hull, who was a teammate of Modano's when the Stars won the Stanley Cup in the 1998-1999 season, believe Modano should return. "I think you'd be crazy not to look at the endless possibilities Mike gives a team," Hull said Monday on ESPN's 103.3 FM Lunch with a Legend. "He can fill in or even play on your top 2 offensive lines. He's one of the most intelligent players. I don't see how any team wouldn't want him. I think he's crazy to quit, whetever it's here or another team"

Your Comments: Mike Modano and Jere Lethinen leaving the Dallas Stars

With the Dallas Stars Regular Season coming to an end on April 10. It's possible we could have seen the end of 2 eras in Dallas Stars History. For both Modano and Lehtinen, it would be the end of the Stanley Cup Era as they are the last 2 players from the team that won the 1999 Stanley Cup in the infamous Triple OT Game against the Buffalo Sabres in June of 1999.

For Mike Modano himself it would be the last of the players who made the move from Minnesota back in 1993. He has every Team Record, he's the All Time USA Scoring Leader in NHL History and has scored 1359 career points in 1459 career games averaging just under a point a game for his career.

It would be a sad to see both of these players leave over the off-season considering all that they have done for their career.

My Question is will both of them be gone, if either Modano or Lehtinen will be back. Or if both will return for next season. Look for the poll question that should be up tonight or tomorrow.

Mike Modano on the Fence about Retirement

From Stephen Hawkins of the AP

Mike Modano woke up many mornings this season feeling good and wondering why he would think about retiring. Other days, the highest-scoring U.S. Born Player in NHL History was sure he was done.

A week after the end of his 20th full NHL Season, and with his contract expiring, Modano said he plans to take some time before deciding whetever to retire or play another season. He is also part of a group seeking ownership of the Stars, who are being sold by Tom Hicks financially strapped Hicks Sports Group.

"It's really hard, I'm really kind on the fence right now," Modano said Sunday about his playing future. "It's tough. And then you watch some of the playoffs, watch some of those games and it's like those of the things that you miss."

The Stars missed the playoffs for the 2nd season in a row, the first time that has happened since relocating from Minnesota 17 years ago.

"That's the hard part. You leave on a real bad taste in your mouth about how we played," Modano said. "That too is a real motivating factor because you hate to end on that type of note. You like to go in the playoffs, make a good run and have some excitement. But then you have a type of run like that and you're like, 'Hey, let's do it again next' ".

Modano was at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday, where he was scheduled to drive the pace car before the start of Sunday's Rain Delayed NASCAR Sprint Cup Race.

While pondering about his future, Modano can relate to the yearly drama surrounding what decision NFL Superstar Quarterback Brett Farve will make.

"He still feels he can throw and obviously he can", Modano said. "So I can see why we at this time gets real wishy-washy about we're going to do."

Modano only needed a month to make a decision last summer to decide he was coming back to play another season. But he had a guaranteed contract then.

This time, Modano doesn't have a contract for next season and has yet to discuss one with general manager and former teammate Joe Nieuwendyk.

"That will be something that's down the road as well. There's no rush to decide on that," Modano said. "I think Joe's kind of given me the leeway to kind of take my time and make a good decision and comeback and talk to him a few times, see how they feel. I've known Joe for years and he's been really honest and open about the whole scenario, so that's been nice."

The #1 overall draft pick by the Minnesota North Stars back in 1988, Modano was the last player remaining on the Stars when the team moved down south.

In 1,459 career games, Modano has 557 goals and 802 assists for 1,359 points, all team records. This season, he had 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points.

But Modano isn't expected to the be the team's primary scorer any more. Brad Richards finished 7th overall in scoring with 91 points, and players like Loui Eriksson and Mike Riberio are capable of scoring as well.

"The Pressure to kind of the main guy is far gone," Modano said. "So you just try to be a competitive guy, a little piece of the puzzle now and help contribute in any way you can."

Mike Modano Possibly Retiring Commentary

With all the talk of Mike Modano possibly retiring after this season, that has given me a chance to think that the team's all time Star could be at the end of the road. With the reports of his parents being at the final game, expected sell out for tomorrow's night's game against the Anaheim Ducks, and with him getting his 800th assist of his career against the Edmonton Oilers back on Friday Night. The timing seems right for him to hang up his skates after Saturday's Night against the Minnesota Wild.

Mike Modano Career Stats: www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8449645&view=stats#&navid=nhl-keymatch

He's really gotten every major milestone he can get for an American Player. With the biggest win of course was winning the Stanley Cup in 1999 and winning an Olympic Silver Medal back in 2002 in Salt Lake City. In addition to the Cup and an Olympic Medal, he's also a member of the 500 goal club, 1000 point club and 1000 career games, he's also the All Time American Leading Scorer in League History.

As for other milestones, they're really no more major milestones left he could get that are realistic for him to get. With an aging player who turn's 40 in June, don't expect him to reach any other milestones, including 600 goals. He only has 28 points (15G 13A) and has been out of the lineup a handful of times this season, including the emergency appendectomy that kept him out for 2 and a half weeks.

With his contract about to expire, it would be the right thing to do avoid a Brett Favre situation of the constant questions and controversy of whatever or not he is coming back next season. It would probably benefit the team on the ice, even though watching the Dallas Stars will never be the same.

The Team needs to start getting players like James Neal and Jamie Benn chances to take on much bigger roles on the team and for some of them, to get chances like the role of being assistant captain and possibly head captain, a shot to lead the next generation of Dallas Stars players to get this team back to the Stanley Cup with a younger, stronger and fresher group of players that the team can keep together for a long time to come.

If he does retire, the rumors of him being part of an ownership group are interesting. It would probably be best for him to take on a small role to help promote the team, the sport and making sure it can continue to grow and prosper long after his playing days are over with.

In addition to helping the Dallas Stars being successful in the long term, he needs to make sure that Dallas Area Hockey Players continue to get chances in the Junior & NCAA Rankings with a shot for some of them to make it to the pros. Perhaps even have a local player get a chance to play for the Dallas Stars one day in the long term.(Maybe Austin Smith down the road?) Another big thing that would be great at the state wide level is to influence the University Interscholastic League (UIL) to consider adding hockey as a sport so even more kids across the state a chance to play hockey.

The other big area is to getting the Dallas Stars involved in major events in the future. Such as bringing the All Star Game back to Dallas, and getting the teams involved in the European Opening Weekend to start the season and to play in the NHL Winter Classic to help promote the team both across the country and around the world. Also getting a position to host major national and international events like the NCAA Frozen Four and the IIHF World Championships Events to come to Texas. This would give the state a chance to show itself as a true hockey state and one that can give a model to other parts of the country and the world to help grow the game.

One thing that the team should make sure that dosen't happen is that he changes teams, even for one year at the end of his career. I know players change teams all the time at the end of their careers, but he is among the last of a dying breed in sports where a player stays with one team for his entire career. After everything he has given the city to help build and promote the sport, it would be tough to take right now to have him end the career with someone else, especially if it's a big rival like the Detroit Red Wings or the San Jose Sharks.

In my view, this is the right time for him to leave with honor and respect from the fans that have gotten to know him over the last decade and a half. He should enter and leave the league is the least he could do for the fans. And the team that he's been with for his entire career going back to when he was the first overall draft pick back in 1988 by the old Minnesota North Stars. Would it be better for him to play at least a few playoff games, sure, but he has a great playoff career by scoring 145 points in 174 career playoff games (58G 87A). He's also been to 4 career Stanley Cup Finals in his career (2 in Dallas, 2 in Minnesota).

Regardless if he retires or not over the off-season. Use these last 2 games as if he is going to retire because once he does leave, the vibe around the Dallas Stars will be a lot different without seeing #9 on the ice. If you did go to the game last night against the Chicago Blackhawks or if your planning to go to the home finale tomorrow against the Anaheim Ducks (I'm going tomorrow night BTW), be sure you keep your ticket stub, get a game program or something to remember the night.

He will be honored long after his playing career is over from his number being retired to possibly having a statue outside the AAC one day (Think Nolan Ryan), these moments will be great, but let's savor his final moments in a Dallas Stars Uniform. If you can think of it, he's probably done it over the course of his career and he will never be forgotten in the Dallas Area. He has earned his spot among D/FW Sports Greats like the Dallas Cowboys Triplets (Troy Aikman, Emmit Smith and Michael Irving), Roger Staubach and Nolan Ryan around the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area.

Ten Things to look forward for the next decade for the Dallas Stars

Usually at the end of the decade, you look back and find out the best, the worst and maybe a few unusual things to look back on. But for Dallas Stars Broadcaster Ralph Strangis, he wants to look ahead for the Stars org. and for Ice Hockey in General in the D/FW Area.

From The Dallas Stars website: http://stars.nhl.com

10. Ralph and Razor

Yes this is a bit self serving, but we're going to be here for a while yet to celebrate the great moments with you and help hold your hands through the growing pains. Razor and I have been great together since the start of the 96-97 season (and I should mention most of our fine crew has been around just as long) and have had a terrific time watching it all happen with you. Yes, at least in my case, the hair has thinned, and our brains go flaccid from time to time, but gang, we're all you got-so continue to enjoy what we like to call broadcast magic.

9. Ceremony & Celebration

Mike Modano is nearing the end, but we'll throw a party like you've never seen when he gets going with the next phase of his life. The Org. has created the "Walk of Legends" and we'll be enshrining more of your favorite Stars with great pomp and circumstance

8. The NHL's Continuing Evoultion

Giving credit where it's due, the NHL has done a good job since the lockout making the on ice product more fan friendly. Hey shoutouts are fun (unless your the 2009-2010 Dallas Stars). and the games have opened up a bit. Scoring is up- the new crop of superstars are terrific-and the Winter Classic is a hit, and not just with hockey fans. Yes they have work to do, but the league has shown progress, and thats a very good sign.

7. The Texas Stars

The Dallas Stars have gone from having no AHL afflaite in the 2008-2009 season to having arguably the best situation to develop and evaluate talent. Their operations and facilities are first rate. And to be able to have everyone playing the same system, and with call ups a short drive away, the Stars are poised to keep reloading at both the NHL & AHL Levels.

6. Metroplex Hockey & Texas Hockey Stars

If you had told me 20 years ago that I would be coming with the North Stars down to Dallas, and that the Stars would help build the area into a thriving Hockey Community I would have thought that you would have taken too many pucks to the head. But here we are. Thousands of kids and adults play the sport, mostly at the Dr. Pepper Star's centers and our kids are competing with the best in North America. Soon more of them will be drafted into the NHL-and perhaps-they will be a superstar or two among the group.

5. Ownership

The Dallas Stars have stayed competitive largely due to the commitment of Tom Hicks. Over the years he has always said OK when the Stars were trying to get to the next level. The Stars, under Tom Hicks are still the most recent Metroplex Pro Sports Team to win a major Championship-and will put our record up against anyone locally since Mr. Hicks has been at the wheel. Yes were having some rough financial times right now-but I believe things will get sorted out-and the Stars will soon be able to add an already young, strong and emerging core group of players.

4. Mike Modano and Jere Lehtinen

The two old dogs can still dial it up. Yes-not as often-but there are nights when the magic is still their. To have two guys like that helping show the younger players what is supposed to look like is an advantage that not everyone else has. Many of the Stars current kids idolized one-or the other-or both growing up. Now they get to watch them everyday. And so do we, And i'm thrilled that we'll open the new decade with both Mike Modano & Jere Lehtinen. Gang, Just enjoy it every night while it's still their.

3. Strong Veteran Assets

The Stars have several players in the prime of their career like Brad Richards, Stephane Robidas, Brendan Morrow, Mike Ribeiro and Steve Ott. Their depth up front is a real strength and has already proved difficult for opponents to handle.

2. Strong Youngsters

I haven't been this excited about a group of young Stars-well-ever. Loui Eriksson is a real great player, James Neal is the "Real Deal". How about 20 year old Jamie Been? He's 20 for crying out loud and on a lot of nights he looks like the best player on the ice. Throw Tom Wandall, Nick Grossman, Mark Fistric and a couple of more names you're just learning about or don't know yet-and it's going to be a fun ride.

1. Joe Nieuwendyk

He is one of the best people that Ralph Strangis knows. and he's proud to call him my friend. He's smart, thoutful, sincere and deliberate, and with 3 rings from 3 different teams in 3 different decades, it's a pretty good bet that a fourth is around the corner. Be excited Stars fans-and be patient as well. It took Bob Gainey 9 years from the day he was hired to build a champion. I bet on him back then to be a success (The Cup was a wonderful bonus)-and I'll bet on Joe now to give you a team that is worth getting behind right now.

Dallas Stars going to Olympic Camps

Throughout the summer, the 12 teams that will be playing in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics coming up in Feb. The different Olympic camps are the 1st step to find out who will eventually make the final rosters and will get to play in the 12 team tournament. Several players from the Dallas Stars have been invited, the highest profile is Mike Modano who is deeply in the mix to make the USA Roster what will be most likely for the final time in his career who just turned 39 during the offseason. As one of the last players from the USA Golden era with players like Jeremy Roenick who retired earlier this month, he's going to bring them in as a leadership role off the ice most likely as the team will most likely will be very young with players like Patrick Kane and Zach Parise.

For USA Hockey, the main goal is to introduce a new generation of USA Players to the international spotlight to improve the teams chances at the both the senior and junior levels in the future. Back in 2006, the USA had one of their worst tournament showings ever where the team only won one game against Kazakhstan and had some disappointing results in the group stage which included a tie against Latvia and 3 losses against Slovakia, Sweden and Russia all by one goal. Then in the Quarterfinals, where they were knocked out by Finland.

This time the USA is looking to the future as they will hope to be a surprise medalist, but looking towards 2014 where the Americans hope to have a shot at Gold.

For Mike Modano, he's hoping to make up for a bad performance from 2006 and most likely end his international career on a strong note and possibly helping the USA get back on the Medal Podium and help the young players deal with the pressure of playing international hockey at both the junior and senior levels.

For Canada, Marty Turco was one of the surprises left off the roster despite making the team as the 3rd goalie and getting very little playing time in Italy in 2006, but with Canada hosting and under a lot of pressure to medal, he could possibly have a shot if he has a strong year to possibly sneak into the roster.

After an injury plagued season, Brendan Morrow is ready to hit the ice and as the captain of the Dallas Stars, he's looking to make up for lost time and regardless of him injured or not, he's looking to make the team as many fans in Canada believe that he can come back and have a strong tournament on home ice. For Stephane Robidas who made it with the defensemen, he's going to have a hard time dealing with players like Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger which should be on the team without much debate on defense, it will be tough for him to make the roster even though he may have what it takes for 2014 Olympic Tournament.

As for some of the other hopefuls, Jere Lehtinen is back in the fray after helping Finland win the Silver Medal in 2006 along with other players like Nicklas Hagman, and Teemu Selanne. He's hoping to get the Fins back on the Medal podium and by going one step higher by winning the Olympic Tournament coming up in Feb.

Sweden will have also have a couple of Stars players with Nicklas Grossman, Fabian Brunnstrom and Loui Eriksson hoping to help defend Sweden's Gold medal from 2006 in Italy.