Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Mike Modano scored in his Detroit debut and Jimmy Howard made 21 saves to record his fourth career shutout, as the Red Wings dominated the Ducks, 4-0, in the season opener for both clubs at Joe Louis Arena.
Modano, who grew up just 20 minutes from downtown Detroit, had spent his entire career with the Minnesota/Dallas franchise since being drafted by the club with the top overall pick of the 1988 draft. On Friday night, Modano scored the 558th goal of his career in a Red Wings uniform.
Dan Cleary and Pavel Datsyuk each had a goal and an assist for Detroit, which lost in the second round of the playoffs last season to the Sharks. Johan Franzen also lit the lamp for the victors.
Jonas Hiller turned aside 39-of-43 shots for the Ducks, who went 39-32-11 last season to finish 11th in the Western Conference.