Dallas Stars spoil Mike Modano's return to the Lone Star State
Mike Modano was the face of the Stars franchise for 20 seasons and is the man largely responsible for popularizing hockey in the state of Texas. The Dallas faithful stood and applauded the man who helped
lead the team to a Stanley Cup Championship back in 1999 after the words "Thank you, Mike" were posted on the video message board at 6:48 of the first period during the Detroit Red Wings tilt with the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on Thursday
night. The Stars spoiled Modano's return by crushing the Red Wings 4-1.
How it went down
Despite Modano's return to Dallas, this time wearing a Red Wings jersey, it was all Dallas on the scoreboard even though they were out-shot 26-15.
The Stars must have felt comfortable going into the third period last night up 4-0 with Brad Richards leading the way with a goal and two assists.
Brendan Morrow got his team-leading fourth goal in just three games when he put the Stars ahead 3-0 at 7:03 of the second period, while Mike Ribeiro appeared to have put his personal troubles behind him
by collecting another two assists, giving him five on the season – Ribeiro had been arrested last weekend for public intoxication.
The Red Wings lone goal came with the game already far out of reach at 11:25 of the third period when Niklas Kronwall scored his first of the season on the power play.
What they're saying
It was obviously an emotional night for Modano who spoke about the ovation he received from the Dallas fans.
"During the ovation, there was just a world of emotions, memories, thoughts and experiences I've gone through here," he said. "A lot of special things have happened along the way. Being involved with the
game from the ground floor, promoting the game here in Texas and Dallas was certainly first and foremost. Winning and the type of teams we had here in the past. It's a great arena and fun to play in – it always has been."
Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock explained the importance of Modano's return and how the Red Wings plan to move forward with the high-profile encounter now behind them.
"I thought it was important," he said. "He earned that over a lot of years and obviously this probably was a tough game for him to play, no question about it. There were mixed emotions and I'm sure he
would have liked his team to do better. But it's over with now and he can get on with being a Red Wing."
What it all means
Dallas remain undefeated at 3-0 while the Red Wings (2-1-1) suffered their first lost in regulation.
The Stars will host the St. Louis Blues, while the Red Wings will now travel to Phoenix to take on the Coyotes, both games taking place on Saturday night.
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