411mania’s NHL Conference Call Coverage: Mike Modano
Posted by Neil Borenstein on 09.27.2007
Modano discusses going after the all-time scoring record for American-born players, expectations for the stars, advice for Patrick Kane and much more!
On Wednesday, the NHL brought Dallas Stars center Mike Modano to the media for another one of its conference calls hyping the upcoming NHL season.
Modano has played many years in the NHL – 17 years to be exact. He is the only current product of Dallas to originate from the Minnesota North Stars organization. He was the first overall selection of the franchise in 1988. Since then, Modano has accumulated 507 goals and 719 assists for 1,226 points in 1,238 games. He is the franchise leader in all of those categories. Modano is not only an icon with the Stars, but he is also one of the most recognizable U.S.-born players in the NHL. He holds the all-time goal scoring record among U.S.-born players and is just six points away from tying Phil Housley's all-time scoring record of 1,232 points.
Here are some highlights from the conference call:
Mike Modano
Photo courtesy of the NHL
On The Stars
Outlook for the Stars this year:
"Well, I think the West and our division is one of the toughest, I guess, in the league. You know, everybody's made some real significant moves out west and added some great players. So it's going to be tougher. We didn't do much ourselves, but we're relying a lot on our young guys to come in and start contributing and start being accountable for our team. The patience for those guys has probably reached its ends, so we're hoping they step in and be a big part of the team."
Prediction for the season:
"Well, like I said, it's going to be tough. I think our division is one of the hardest ones in the league. It always comes down to the last couple of weeks of the season to find out where we're going to be seeded and who wins the division and what not. So it is very competitive. It's between San Jose and Anaheim and ourselves and L.A. You know, it's always been tough. It's always been something that lasts right to the end of the season."
Anxious about the record:
"Probably more so when we get started. I think that first game will [provide] some excitement to get it started, get chasing it and going after it. So I guess going into it I think it will be on my mind, certainly. Just wanting to just in general get off to a good start. But again, just trying to get that number and get it over with."
On The Younger Players In The NHL
What it's like to be a first overall draft pick:
"Well, I think it's different. I think the expectations of the young kids, you know, 15 to 20 years ago is different from now. I think there's so much expectations to win. I think teams are reluctant to throw those young kids in the lineup.
There is such a demand to win, and everybody's out to keep their jobs and be successful and win. I think there is a little hesitation to bring those young guys in. But in the past, I mean, Coach has just said we're going to throw these kids in, and he's just going to adapt and overcome and adjust to the league. So you know, it's a bit different than now.
But he [Erik Johnson] does have the skill. The couple guys that are probably going to play have the ability to stick around and play. And teams just have to understand that that needs to be done in order for those guys to adjust and to, you know, get ready for the grind of an NHL season."
Advice for Patrick Kane:
"Well, you know, it's tough. You're going against guys who are faster, guys who are stronger and quicker and smarter. I think you just really can't go into your first season or first couple months thinking that things are going to be like they are in juniors. You're going to get discouraged and frustrated because they don't happen that way.
You have to be patient, and you have to just, as you get a little more experienced, you can figure out where you can and can't go and what you can do. So some things change, some things you're going to have to add to your game.
The game has become so tight checking now that that's a big part of the game. But you know, he'll learn. He's had a great junior career. And, you know, to go number one means a lot. It's a great honor and a lot of pressure and expectations to live up to, but that's the fun part."
Be sure to check back in the 411mania Sports Zone for more hockey coverage as the NHL season approaches!
