REDlines: Mike Modano Retires. September 22nd.
Today’s music video on New Releases Thursday is Fireworks by Polock.
One of the most successful U.S. born hockey players, Mike Modano is hanging up the skates after a brilliant 21 year career. Modano who spent 2o seasons with the Minnesota Northstars/Dallas Stars, and one year with the Detroit Red Wings piling up 1374 points including 561 goals. Born in Michigan, Modano played in 40 games last season as a wrist injury limited his playing time with the Red Wings. Modano ended the year with 15 points including 4 goals.
Modano leaves the game having played in 1499 contests, and is the top scorer among American born players of all time. Modano was successful in the post season as well scoring 58 goals along with 88 assists in 176 career playoff games. Mike also has a Stanley Cup to his credit as a member of the Dallas Stars team that won in 1999 beating the Buffalo Sabres.
“After a long summer of thinking about my future, I’ve come to the decision that it’s time to retire as a player from the NHL,” wrote Modano on Facebook. “There’s way too many people to thank here at this time and too much to say, so I have a press conference scheduled for early Friday afternoon. Check back Friday late afternoon for more. What a great ride it’s been!”
With Modano retiring that now leaves Teemu Selanne as the only active player remaining from the 1988 draft. Selanne is returning for one more year with the Anaheim Ducks.
News in Sunrise:
Nolan Yonkman is making an attempt to stand tall on the Panther backline. Harvey Fialkov, Sun-Sentinel.
George Richards looks at the potential of a deep blue line that has a nice mix of youth, size and veteran leadership. On Frozen Pond.
Former Florida Panther defenceman Brent Severyn talks about the enforcer role in the NHL. Sports Illustrated.
Nick Bjugstad is excited for the upcoming season at Minnesota. Fox Sports North.
There’s someone missing from this list and I’ll buy you a draft if you’re the first person to give me the right answer. The Hockey News.
Around The NHL:
Columbus signs R.J. Umberger to a five year extension. The Cannon.
A writers letter to the 2011 NHL Off Season. NHL Hotstove.
Brad Richards misses his second day of practice with an injury, making the Ranger faithful a bit nervous. Pro Hockey Talk.
Proud To Puck looks at the seven Canadian teams including the “porous” defence of Edmonton.
Brenden Shanahan is determined to get things right as the new czar of the NHL. USA Today.
ESPN Dallas with more on Modano’s retirement who just felt that now is the time.
The Minnesota Wild brings back something familiar. The Neutral Zone Trap. Pro Hockey Talk.
Viktor Stalberg is trying to find the right place on a talented Blackhawks team. Sun-Times.
The Nashville Predators and Washington Capitals faced off in….Baltimore? Predlines.
Howlin Hockey describes the Action in Phoenix. P.S. We’re looking for more writers on that site! Contact me!
Keep an eye out for our division previews starting Sunday September 25th and on Monday October 3rd all members of the Rat Trick will tell you were we think the Florida Panthers will finish.
As always thanks for reading. We welcome your comments and opinions.
Please visit our NHL main page: Too Many Men On The Site.
Follow the Rat Pack on Twitter: me @TheRatTrick , David Lasseter @davidlasseter , Josh Luecht @joshluecht, Patrick McLaughlin @patrckmclaughln and Scott Mullin @ScottFMullin. Also, please join our Facebook Fan Page and hit the like button, send us photos, and make some comments.