Mike Modano Says Goodbye To the American Airline Center in Style

Although he hasn't announced his retirement, tonight may have been Mike Modano's final game at the American Airline Center in a Stars uniform. This night couldn't have been written any better. It was the perfect farewell. The arena was packed with Modano signs and jerseys. Mike played probably one of his best games in a long time.

After being down by a goal, Modano gave a perfect saucer pass on his back hand to Jere Leighton, who sailed it across to Jamie Benn to tie the game at one a piece.

With 5:28 left in the game, the Stars played a video on the JumboTron with Modano thanking the fans and organization for all the memories they've shared together, in which afterwards, the fans gave Modano nearly a five-minute standing ovation. The reaction brought tears to Modano in what was a very emotional scene at the American Airline center.

However, close to a minute later, Bobby Ryan gets his second goal of the game to break the tie moments later. Modano went from a quick high to a quick low. But it didn't start there. It appeared as though Modano lost 10 years, and was playing with the determination to tie the game like he's done so many times before in his career.

Almost three minutes to the second, Modano tipped in the game-tying goal off Trevor Daley's shot from the point. The entire building erupted in what was Modano's final regulation goal in a Stars uniform, and possibly, of his NHL career.

The game went into overtime and it looked as though Modano would win the game in overtime on a breakaway, however, as he picked his shot, Dan Sexton broke the play up on a hard back-check.

The game goes to a shootout and Modano has the second shot. He goes in on Jonas Hiller and gets his shot right over his shoulder below the crossbar and the building erupts. Turco held off Corey Perry and Jere Leighton adds in the insurance goal.

Modano ends his career at home with a goal, an assist, and the shootout winner. Rightfully so, Modano was named the first star of the game and the fans gave him another standing ovation as Modano skated around with tears streaming down his face, waving goodbye to the Dallas crowd. 

Modano, who was the the most prolific goal scorer for American-born players, a Stanley Cup winner, an Olympic Silver medalist, a Canada Cup winner, and one of the most beloved hockey players of his generation, couldn't have had a better final night in front of his home crowd.

Goodbye Modano, thank you for all the memories!