StarPoints For 4/8 vs Anaheim

1.)  Tonight the Stars will host the Ducks in the final home game this season. Dallas is 3-1-1 in the season series against Anaheim, claiming victory in both games played at AAC. The Stars collected the wins in a 3-1 decision Dec. 3 and in a 5-3 win on New Years Eve, with a hat trick courtesy of Loui Eriksson. Dallas is 32-9-3 on home ice against the Ducks and lead the all-time series 54-24-11.
 
2.)  Tonight’s game could be Mike Modano’s last at American Airlines Center. The center, who turns 40 in June, is considering retirement following the season. Modano was the first overall selection in the 1988 Entry Draft and is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (1,457), goals (556), assists (801), points (1357), power play goals (156), shorthanded goals (29) and game-winning goals (92). Modano has racked up 26 goals and 54 assists for 80 points in 78 career-games against the Ducks, making him the leading scorer of all Anaheim opponents.

3.)  Marty Turco is scheduled to get the start in net tonight for the Stars. Like Modano, Turco could also being playing his final game in Dallas, as his contract expires at the end of this season making him and unrestricted free agent. Turco was the Stars’ fifth round pick in the 1994 Entry Draft and has played nine seasons with Dallas. He ranks first in franchise goalies for games played (508), wins (261), shutouts (40), assists (22) and 20-win seasons (7). Turco has a 23-9-9 career record against the Ducks, with a 2.20 goals-against average and three shutouts.
 
4.)  Special teams has been a strong point for the Stars in the season series. Dallas has been very disciplined, averaging just 2.2 power plays per game for Anaheim and keeping them to one power-play goal in 11 attempts. The Stars have scored three goals in 16 power play chances. Despite the limited chances on the man advantage, there has still been plenty of aggression in the series, as the division rivals have combined for 12 fighting majors in the five games.
 
5.)  One to watch for: Saku Koivu is playing some of his best hockey of the season and is currently on a four-game point streak (4g, 5a). He has tallied four goals and an assist in the season series against Dallas, for a total of five goals and six assists in 11 career games. The center has collected 50 points (19g, 31a) in 70 games this season. It is the ninth season in which he has tallied 50+ points.