The Wings had evened this one up at the start of the third thanks to (shocking) Henrik Zetterberg off a Stars turnover. But the Stars got a big one on their fourth power play. Mike Modano was by himself in the slot and blasted one through Chris Osgood for a 2-1 advantage. It's Modano, from Zubov and Brad Richards at the 5:35 mark.
It's the Stars' first third-period goal in seven games.
It was a relatively quiet day out at practice, mainly because there weren't enough people on the ice to consider the lines they had out there as gospel.
Here's the gist on the big hurts: Mike Modano said he was fine, and he will play tomorrow night. Brenden Morrow wasn't out there (spending the day with his newborns) but he's also expected to play tomorrow.
Jere Lehtinen and Stu Barnes are out for Game 4. And Mark Fistric was sick today, so he wasn't skating either. Doubt we would see him tomorrow, too.
So there are all the aches and pains, at least the physical ones. I haven't realized until now how beat up this team is. Not a complete excuse for what's happening, but... when you're missing anyone against Detroit, especially the bodies you are missing, that doesn't make things much easier.
Keeli already included some of this in the postgame quotes, but I wanted to write a little more about it, too. Mike Modano and Jeremy Roenick had a little talk and hug in the handshake line on Sunday night/Monday morning. It was pretty impressive to see these two at center ice, two great U.S. players who have combined for some unbelievable moments in the NHL, as well as more than 1,000 goals. Great game by both.
"When the day's over, we appreciate each other for what each has given to the game. We push each other to extremes and highs. There's a lot of history there."
The handshake is still one of the classiest moments in sports. Seeing these two go through it, and the respect they have for each other, was great to see.
This was set up by a Christian Ehrhoff delay-of-game penalty... and some great passing. Mike Modano found Sergei Zubov cross-ice, and he found Jere Lehtinen coming down the slot by himself (with Sharks all around, but not close) for the 1-0 lead. Stars up at the 6:14 mark on the power play.
This was a pretty one, and a reminder that Modano is still a sniper. Great back-and-forth between he and Brenden Morrow, and then Modano just laced this one past Giguere.
Stars tie it, with assists from Morrow and Lehtinen, at 6:45 in the second period.
That's our starting line tonight against the Sharks. I'm a little perplexed, only because of Tuesday's practice when Modano was with Richards and Barnes. I was wondering if this was a brief ruse, just a starter line before Richards and Mo are paired together later.
Bet I'm wrong. By the way, Boucher is out there with Mark Fistric.
Dallas Stars coach Dave Tippett said defensemen Sergei Zubov (foot) and Philippe Boucher (shoulder) are "day to day" and getting closer to returning. Boucher will be re-evaluated Thursday morning to see if he could be possibly ready for San Jose. Zubov is unlikely to return Thursday.
Lines were again shook up in practice with Mike Modano returning to a checking line with Steve Ott and Stu Barnes. Brad Richards, who was teamed with Modano and Barnes on Monday, centered a line with Niklas Hagman and Loui Eriksson.
--Milenko Martinovich
It's Mike Modano's turn, as he gets a loose puck, dances around with Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith and forward Patrick Sharp watching, then went high on Patrick LaLime for a 2-1 Stars lead at 9:58. The Stars seem to be feeling it tonight, just watching them skate around. Every line looks pretty darned motivated right now.
Mike Modano causes a turnover, then throws the easy empty-net shot in for a 5-1 advantage at 18:01.
That oughta do it, I would think. That's 17 goals this season for Modano, by the way.
Mike Modano rockets one past Bryzgalov on a 5 on 3 as the Stars take a 2-1 lead at the 16:28 mark. Jere Lehtinen gets the assist, it's his second helper of the night.
Not bad for a guy who's six games into a return off missing 33.
Mike Modano just took a wicked elbow from Oilers defenseman Joni Pitkanen around the blue line. Play continued for a few moments while Modano was down on his hands and knees. It was pretty ugly, and it's surprising that there was no penalty called on this one. Could be a suspension, though, possibly? Anyway, Modano skated to the bench and looks like he's OK.
We're just 1:30 into the second period and Mike Modano lasered one high over Curtis Sanford for a 2-1 Stars lead. Credit Niklas Hagman and Mattias Norstrom with assists on this one. It just developed fast and Modano didn't waste time with his blistering shot.
Mike Modano gets his second of the night, this one a wicked shot off after Stephane Robidas' shot was stopped. I'd be surprised if Nabokov even saw this one
Stars are up 3-2 at the 12:54 mark. Hagman gets the primary assist, with Robidas getting the secondary helper.
While everyone was watching the hit on Niklas Hagman, Loui Eriksson fed a beauty of a pass from behind the net to Mike Modano, who had an easy one for a 2-1 Stars lead. That's two assists for Eriksson tonight, and Hagman also has two points now.
Mike Modano was honored for his scoring milestone by Little Caesar's prior to the start of the game. Modano was given a Little Caesar's jersey in their colors of teal and orange, as the Red Wings crowd game him a warm standing ovation.
It's his second in as many nights, and Halpern does a great job setting this one up. He gets behind the net and sends one out to Modano, who absolutely scorches one top left side of the net. It gives the Stars some nice breathing room at the 4:01 mark.
Halpern's second assist of the night, too.
Mo said a few words as the Ducks came out for the end of the celebration and applauded Mo.
All in all, a great tribute for Modano. A lot of VIPs, a few pictures of a young Modano on draft day and a packed house to enjoy it all.
And a few tears, of course. Mark Messier would've been proud.
Modano got a standing ovation when he took the ice after a video montage of his career. Here's some highlights of the celebration:
First, the house is packed, as well it should be for the occasion.
Mo's parents, Mike Sr., and Karen, as well as his wife, Mandy (aka Willa Ford) came out onto the ice. Moments later, so did the tears from Modano after getting a long hug from his father.
Joe Mullen and Phil Housley were also here to congratulate Mo. Funny moment from Housley: "I asked him what took him so long to break the record." Brett Hull and Tom Hicks were also part of the festivities. Not surprising the loud ovation Hull got when he came out here.
Hicks also gave Mo an invitation to play at the old course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Very nice.
The Stars will celebrate the milestones of Mike Modano tonight at 7:30 p.m. The Stars have already given Mo their gift, a watch with a little red, white and blue included. Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger also came to congratulate Mo and present him a gift from the Ducks. Not surprisingly, it involved golf.
For anyone heading to the game tonight, get there early. It should be a fun start before the puck drops.
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