Seems like it was just yesterday we were burying your punchless, pathetic Dallas Stars after another first-round flameout in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. Actually, it was 111 days ago. But still, we aren't exactly jonesing for hockey season yet, are we? Ready or not, here it comes.
The Stars began their preseason last night with a 5-2 victory over some equally disinterested team before 15,146 very bored souls at the American Airlines Center. That means a couple things. Only four months until the Stars host the 2007 NHL All-Star Game. Only seven months until Marty Turco allows five goals a game in the playoffs after surrendering only two per in the regular season. And, oh, about 30 seconds until we ask Mike Modano if he's finally settling down and getting married to girlfriend Willa Ford.
Well, Mike, are you?
"No, I'm not currently engaged," Modano says sorta cryptically. "I guess you could say we're seeing other...exclusively."
They've been an item since April, and Mo attended her debut on Dancing with the Stars last week, so you know it's serious. But if history is any indication--see Kristy Swanson, et al.--hey'll break up in a month and Modano will be back at Primo's making the chicks fawn and the dudes jealous. Man, I can't wait for hockey. --Richie Whitt
