Weird Looking...

A Bit Awkward?...

I know I'm kind of late but the photo was so disturbing; it deserved it's own blog post.

The Red Wings finally announced last week that they've signed Mike Modano to a one-year deal.  The 40-year old signed on to be the Wings third-line center.  It was a difficult situation in Dallas where the management team led by GM Joe Nieuwendyk, a former teammate of Modano's finally decided that he was no longer in the organization's plans moving forward.

Modano, the all-time leader among U.S.-born players in points and goals scored will wear jersey #90 for obvious reasons (Gordie Howe).  Modano will always be a Minnesota North Star/Dallas Star just like Ray Bourque will always be a Boston Bruin.  Bourque chased his Cup; Modano already got his so I guess he' just chasing the dream of playing one more NHL season back home in front of family & friends in his home state of Michigan.

Either way, it's all a bit awkward for me.  Especially considering how the 2009-10 season ended for him in Dallas and Minnesota.  You couldn't really ask for a better way to go out.  I'm sure if Michael Jordan could take back that stint with the Washington Wizards and leave everyone with the lasting memory of his NBA Finals Game 6 game-winner; he'd do it in a flash .  Don't remember how Modano finished out last season?  Don't worry!  Youtube & I got your back.  We start in Dallas for the Stars final home game of the season.

He tied the game in the 3rd and then scores the game winner in the shootout.

Then check out the reception he received in Minnesota a couple nights later.

And then he was named the first-star of the game. And he comes out wearing a freakin' North Stars jersey!  Come on!

I'm going to prefer to remember Mike Modano like this...

or like this...

 Or maybe I'll just choose to remember Mike Modano's wife, Willa Ford.  When the Wings finally visit Dallas and Minnesota next season; things could get a bit awkward considering most of the fans already said their goodbyes.