Modano plays hero amidst fan adulation as Stars clip Ducks in SO
Hockey Betting Lines
04/08/2010 - Dallas, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - If this was Mike Modano's final home game in a Stars uniform, it sure was a storybook ending.
Modano scored the tying goal with 1:47 left in regulation and netted the winner in the shootout as Dallas overcame a 49-save effort from Jonas Hiller to beat the Anaheim Ducks, 3-2, at American Airlines Center.
Fans held signs encouraging Modano to return for a 21st NHL season, but that's an uncertainty now. The seven-time All-Star is due to be a free agent this summer, but the 39-year-old hasn't announced his plans for the future.
An eight-time All-Star and member of the Stars' 1999 Stanley Cup championship team, Modano has played for Dallas since the club moved from Minnesota prior to the 1993-94 season.
Jamie Benn and Modano each had a goal and an assist for the Stars, who snapped a two-game skid with only one regular season contest remaining -- Saturday at Minnesota. Marty Turco made 17 stops in the win.
Bobby Ryan had both goals for the Ducks, who lost their second straight.
With both teams out of the playoff hunt, the spotlight was on Modano and he came through to stretch the contest. Trevor Daley let go a shot from the high slot and Modano was in front and directed the puck past Hiller. Fans were on edge due to a replay as Modano's stick was right at the crossbar when he deflected it into the net.
Nearly four minutes earlier, fans delivered a huge standing ovation that lasted several minutes for Modano, who sat on the bench teary-eyed before getting another shift that ultimately tied the game.
There was much more to come though for Modano. He had a breakaway nearly 1 1/2 minutes into overtime, but the puck was knocked away just before he went to the net.
The Ducks were able to kill off a Corey Perry tripping penalty in OT, but Modano played the role of hero in the shootout. Hiller stopped Brad Richards, but Turco countered by turning away the backhand attempt of Dan Sexton.
Modano then potted a shot inside the right post to send the crowd in a frenzy before Perry was stopped by Turco. Jere Lehtinen then sealed the victory with another goal.
Even after being introduced as the first star of the game, fans didn't leave immediately, instead choosing to give the three-time Olympian another standing ovation in a possible big send off.
Thursday may have marked the final time Modano played at home as a member of the Stars, and possibly for his career.
Hiller made 16 saves during a scoreless first period, and the Ducks broke on top at 6:32 of the second when Ryan scored from below the left circle.
Benn evened the contest six minutes later, but Ryan boosted the Ducks back into the lead with a power-play tally with 4:44 left in regulation on a one- timer from the left circle off a cross-ice pass from Perry.
Game Notes
This was Modano's 300th career game at American Airlines Center...The Stars won four of the six meetings this season, including a 3-0 mark at home...Dallas ended up with points in 19 of its last 24 home games (17-5-2)...Thursday could have also marked the final home game for Turco, another pending free agent. He was drafted by Dallas in the fifth round in 1994 and made his debut with the club in the 2000-01 season.
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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout
An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.
Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off. Randy was not impressed though. Paula thought he started off fantastic. "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either.
Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed. Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact. He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition.
Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula. Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.
Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next. Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential. Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell. He sang "Careless Whisper".
22 year old Chris Richardson was up next. He was listed with +1100 odds coming in. He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great.
Nick was boring and pitchy. Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week. Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition.
Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds . These of course were the early odds. He was considered original for picking an "odd song". He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night.
Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good.
Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds. Great voice and a great sense of humor. He's a real standout. Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit. Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig".
Jared Cotter followed. He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition. The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good.
22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next. "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon. Though the judges felt he performed okay. Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.
Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition. He was the last to perform. He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start.
Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys. Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.
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