During the offseason, the Detroit Red Wings pursued Mike Modano.
Finally, on August 3, Modano inked a one-year contract.
After signing Modano, Detroit had visions of seeing a third line of the newly-acquired Modano, Dan Cleary and the returning Jiri Hudler.
Shortly after the Modano signing, Detroit became instant Cup favorites.
Cue the dramatics.
A picture-perfect start, if you will.
Modano went on to score on his first shift, off his first shot, in his first game with the Red Wings. It was like the aforementioned picture-perfect way to start, or finish, either way, the beginning of the end for the best American-born player's career.
But it wasn't all that rosy from then on.
Modano had only that one point to his name for the next nine, including a dreadful minus-seven rating.
Not only Modano, but the line struggled game in and game out, and had a combined minus 17 heading into Detroit's western Canada swing.
Detroit's first game in Canada was in Calgary, and Mike Babcock decided to scratch Jiri Hudler for a fresh, and finally healthy, Justin Abdelka ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Chris Minniti
Mike Modano of Detroit Red Wings Out Indefinitely, Jiri Hudler Needs to Step Up
November 28th, 2010 by Chris Minniti Leave a reply »
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