As the face of the Dallas Stars, Mike Modano proved he could handle being the face of American hockey as well by surpassing the record for American-born NHL players in both goals and points. Perhaps it was a new marriage or the relief of not being expected to carry the team that allowed him the freedom to produce at such a high level. His contribution was felt in all 82 games tying his career high achieved back in '92-'93. I don't think you could have kept him off the ice if you had tried. He's already talking about looking forward to playing again next season.

Further reinforcing his right to the mantle as the team's captain and staking permanent claim on the top line, Brenden Morrow led the team through all 82 games, a feat he has not accomplished since his second year in the league, 2000 - 2001. Accomplishing career highs in goals, assists and points, his leadership netted him not only respect from fellow players and opponents but talk around the league of having his name etched on this season's Conn Smythe Trophy for the league's best player in the playoffs. His power play goal in the fourth overtime (at 69 minutes and 3 seconds) ended the season for the Sharks in round two in the eighth longest game in NHL playoff history.

Skating next to him, with an astounding 25.2 shooting percentage which topped the league and serves as a testament to his growing comfort level here in Dallas, Mike Ribeiro served as the perfect compliment to Morrow's tenacious play. Ribeiro showed a new level of creativity that inspired those around him and saw several others enjoying career-high stats in many areas as a result.

On the back end, several young defensemen gained invaluable experience while bringing to mind an interesting question of what effect the change in the farm team affiliation will have, if any, on the development of future talent. After two seasons of Calder Trophy play-off qualifying from the Iowa Stars, the big leaguers will now have to look to the establishment of their new stable that is locating itself, as we speak, just outside of Austin.

One of the more surprising developments early in the season was the end of Doug Armstrong's tenure as General Manager. At the helm for the last five seasons he has led the team to four play-off appearances and has factored significantly in the club's elite reputation. He has also contributed significantly to the growth of hockey across the state, if not the entire region, since the team's arrival in 1993.

Taking over at the wheel was the tandem of future NHL Hall of Famer, Brett Hull and former Stars' assistant general manager, Les Jackson. Their first noticeable move added Tampa Bay center and recent Conn Smythe winner, Brad Richards, to the mix and created a headache of match-ups for opposing coaches. Now the other bench had to consider the one-two-three punch of Ribeiro, Modano, and Richards. Not an enviable task - but it does bode well for the future.

With so many players enjoying career highs stats this season, you would be hard-pressed to find an area of play that is in critical need of improvement. This is a luxury indeed and makes the prospects of next season's run more than exciting. The folks working in season ticket sales should have an easy time of it this summer.

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