If USA Hockey had a Mount Rushmore, Mike Modano would surely be on it.
The Dallas Stars legend is one of the most successful American-born players in the history of the NHL. He achieved just about everything possible during his 21-year NHL career.
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With that in mind, here are the top five moments from Modano’s Hall of Fame career.
Winning the Stanley Cup
Modano accomplished plenty of individual achievements throughout his career, but his best team accomplishment undoubtedly took place during the 1998-99 season. He led the Stars in scoring throughout the post-season with 23 points in 23 games, despite playing through a broken wrist he suffered in Game 2 of the Cup final against the Buffalo Sabres. It was the lone championship Modano won in his NHL career.
Modano becomes highest-scoring American
The Stars legend broke Joe Mullen’s NHL record (502 goals) for the most goals scored by a U.S.-born player when Modano scored his 502nd and 503rd career goals in a road game against the Nashville Predators in March 2007.
Last game with Dallas
Modano spent the majority of his NHL career (all but one season) with the Stars franchise. In his final game with Dallas, the Stars were playing in Minnesota, which is where Modano coincidentally began his career. Before the game, Modano was honoured with a video tribute and got a rousing ovation from the crowd. He skated around the ice wearing a Minnesota North Stars jersey after he was named the first star.
Modano scores 50th goal
When the Stars relocated from Minnesota to Dallas, it didn’t slow down Modano. He scored a career-high 50 goals in 1993-94. His 50th goal was a special moment, coming against the St. Louis Blues in April 1994.
Stars retire No. 9
This one technically came after his playing career was over, but it has to be one of his greatest moments. This past March, the Stars put on a 50-minute ceremony to honour the man who put hockey on the map in Dallas. The Stars retired Modano’s No. 9 and he will forever live in Stars history.
