Mike Modano's Last Game?

Tonight, 21 season veteran Mike Modano might be involved in the last game in his career. The 40 year old, who has only played 1 game this postseason and was a healthy scratch the other 6 games. His name did not appear on the scorecard today in the Detroit dressing room. So Modano's last career NHL game will be spent up in the team box watching. Modano, who played just 40 games for the Wings this season (4 goals, 11 assists) was plagued with a tough hand injury that left him sidelined for many games. Mike admitted this could be a sign that he shouldn't have returned.

Modano started off on the Minnesota North Stars before they became the Dallas Stars a few years later and played in Dallas for 16 memorable seasons. He won the Cup once in the 1998-1999 season. In that series against Buffalo, he totaled 7 points, all assists. Last year, many thought it would be his last in Dallas. Having won the Cup and having enjoyed a great career, and at the ripe old age of 39, they thought that he'll be done from hockey. Game Number 81 for Dallas last year (and their final home game) was played against the Anaheim Ducks. It was a seemingly meaningless game with both teams out of the playoffs. Fast forward to 5 minutes left in the game. Modano's picture and career description is put up on the scoreboard during the TV timeout and the fans give him a standing ovation that would give ANYONE the goosebumps. Then with just over a minute left in the game, now with Dallas down 2-1, guess who tipped the puck past Anaheim goalie Jonas Hiller? That's right. It was Mike Modano. Referees discussed whether it should be allowed or not because of the height of Modano's stick but I don't think the refs (or even the players on Anaheim) wanted to take away from this magic moment. So it was called a goal (was a goal anyway). The game went to the shootout and Modano went second for the Stars. I don't even have to tell you what happened next. Stars went on to win the shootout in three rounds and Modano was the first star of the game. I memorable last home game. Here's the video of everything from my good pal HockeyWebCaster

Next game for Dallas? Wouldn't you know it. Former home for the Stars, Minnesota. Nothing could have been more perfect for Mike as he had yet another emotional night. They showed highlights of his days in Minnesota on the scoreboard followed by yet another standing ovation from the fans in Minnesota. Of course there were some tears (again) on Modano's face.

 Minnesota media even chose Mike as the first star of the game and he skated out in a vintage North Star jersey.

So this would have been a perfect time to finish up his career eh?

Well nope. He decided to return another season. He was signed by Detroit and ditched the team he played for his whole career. He didn't have such a great season. But the highlight for him was his return to Dallas where he received another standing ovation.  Well whatever the case, he had a great career. He admitted that being injured, and not enjoying a good season "..was a sign that I should have stayed away."

Edit: After forcing a game 5, Modano was benched yet AGAIN. We'll see about game 6 but I'm guessing that it's unlikely unless Franzen or Datsyuk have more problems with their health.

Edit: Modano is IN for game 6. As I said above, it'll probably  because Franzen is unable to play tonight so Modano got the nod. I have a feeling that number 90 in red tonite (that's Modano) might do something special so keep your eye on him.

Edit: Mike Modano didn't play in game 7 although Franzen was still out with an injury. Kris Draper played instead of him. The announcers on Vs. pointed out that Modano didn't have SUCH a great game in game 6 (he wasn't bad but they needed more) and Draper played well in game 5 so Modano sat again. The Red Wings lost so game 6 might be the last game in Modano's career. We'll have to wait and see what he announces but I'm assuming even he knows it's time to call it quits.