Mike Modano became the all-time leading scorer for American-born players Wednesday, when he scored two goals in the first period of the Dallas Stars game against the San Jose Sharks.The goals gave Modano 1,233 career points, moving him past former All Star D-man Phil Housley. Mo had previously gone three straight games without a point on the scoresheet.
After opening the scoring at 2:19 with his third goal of the season, Modano made history just 2 minutes later with a shorty breakaway tally – his 511th career goal.
“I can finally take a deep breath and enjoy it a little bit,” the former Stars captain said. “it was something I was looking forward to at the start of the year to accomplish and get it over with. But it definitely means the most.”
“When you think about it, one guy stands out for what he means to American hockey,” Dallas goalie Marty Turco said. “I think it was fitting that it was on a breakaway from the red line, with the spotlight on him, all alone.”
The six-time All-Star and three-time Olympian needed just 1,253 games to pass Housley. Housley record was recorded with 1,232 points in 1,495 career games.
Modano, who is also the all-time leading American goal-scorer said. “I Certainly have a lot of guys to thank – coaches and people in the organization, (former owner) Norm Green, (current owner) Tom Hicks, the whole crew, coaches past and present, and players along the way who’ve certainly helped out in that.
The monumental achievement was even acknowledged by San Jose’s Jeremy Roenick, a Boston native who himself is embarking on a personal milestone.
“I’m so proud of Mike Modano, he’s been an idol of mine for a long time,” said Roenick, who is one goal shy of 500 for his career. “I really think he’s the greatest player ever to come out of America, and not only that, one of the greatest players ever to play the game. I’ve really been fortunate to play against him for many years, play with him on the Olympic team. You can’t say enough about what he’s done for the game, what he’s done for the Dallas Stars and what he’s done for American hockey.”
The only drawback for me was that Modano was unable to set the record on home ice.
Modano was drafted 1st overall by the Minnesota North Stars in 1988 and has spent his entire career with the franchise, helping Dallas to its only Stanley Cup back in 1999.
Housley, however, suited up for eight teams over 21 seasons. He played with the Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Modano can rest easy now that the record is out of the way, but he might have to keep his guard up once the Stars return home from their four-game road trip. “We’re gonna spray-paint his house red, white and blue, along with his car and his wife,” Turco joked.
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