Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Brad Richards netted a goal and two assists, while Kari Lehtonen made 25 saves, as the Dallas Stars defeated former franchise superstar Mike Modano and the Detroit Red Wings, 4-1, at American Airlines Center.
This was the home opener for Dallas, for which Modano played his entire 20- year career and holds every one of the club's major offensive records. Modano, who will be in the Hall of Fame when he retires and is considered one of the best American-born players to ever skate in the NHL, was the face of the Minnesota/Dallas franchise for two decades and a driving force behind hockey's enormous growth in the Sun Belt region of the United States.
Fans gave a standing ovation to Modano, who signed as a free agent over the summer with the Red Wings, about five minutes into the game during a stoppage of play.
Loui Eriksson, Brenden Morrow and James Neal also scored for the Stars, who improved to 3-0 on the young season.
Niklas Kronwall scored the only goal for the Red Wings, who failed to earn at least one point for the first time in four games this season (2-1-1). Detroit will travel to Phoenix to play the Coyotes on Saturday before the club returns home for a four-game homestand to close the season's opening month.
Chris Osgood allowed four goals on 15 shots in the losing effort.