Modano scores in SO, adds goal and assist in possible Dallas farewell

Modano has big night in possible Dallas farewell

DALLAS — Mike Modano had a goal and an assist in regulation of what was possibly his final home game with the Stars and then scored in the second round of the shootout to help Dallas beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on Thursday night.

Bobby Ryan scored twice for Anaheim, including a power-play goal that gave the Ducks a 2-1 edge at 15:16 of the third period. But Modano deflected Trevor Daley’s shot out of the air and past goalie Jonas Hiller with 1:47 left in regulation to tie it at 2. The goal stood after officials ruled that Modano’s stick was below crossbar level.

Rookie Jamie Benn scored off an assist from Modano, whose 557 goals are the most ever for a U.S.-born player.

In the shootout, Modano beat Hiller with a wrist shot. Stars teammate Jere Lehtinen clinched the win in the third round when he fired a puck between Hiller’s pads.

Modano, who will seriously consider retiring after the season, started the play on Benn’s goal that tied the game at 1 at 12:44 of the second. It was Modano’s 802nd NHL assist. Modano passed from behind the net to Lehtinen, who fed Benn in the slot for Benn’s 22nd goal.

With 3:39 left in overtime, Modano had a chance to win it when he skated in alone on Hiller, but failed to get off a clean shot. Hiller also denied Modano during a power play with 1:26 remaining in overtime.

The 39-year-old Modano began his NHL career with a two-game playoff stint for the Minnesota North Stars in 1989. The eight-time All-Star has been with the franchise since, moving to Texas with the team in 1993.

Modano, the franchise leader in 15 regular-season categories and 11 more in the playoffs, will close out the season, and possibly his career, Saturday night on the road against the Minnesota Wild.

Fans cheered Modano when he took the ice for warmups, displaying such signs as “1 Mo Year” and “Say It Ain’t So Mo,” and they roared when Modano was introduced with the starting lineup. Modano was shown on the video board with less than six minutes left in regulation. He had tears in his eyes when he received an extended standing ovation.

This game could also have marked the final home appearance for Marty Turco, who finished with 17 saves.

Turco, who played his 509th game for Dallas, will be an unrestricted free agent after the season and isn’t expected to be re-signed.

The Stars failed to qualify for the playoffs for the second consecutive season, which hasn’t happened since 1987 and 1988.

Ryan scored the game’s first goal at 6:32 of the second period.

NOTES: Benn has three goals in four games. … RW Teemu Selanne, C Todd Marchant and D Scott Niedermayer aren’t on the trip as the Ducks look at younger players. The veteran trio is expected to play in Anaheim’s final game on Sunday at home against Edmonton. … After the game, Stars players gave their jerseys to contest winners as part of Fan Appreciation Night. … Dallas LW Brenden Morrow was back in the lineup after missing a game with a bruised foot. … Stars D Philip Larsen made his NHL debut.