Emotional times for Modano, Roenick

3:29 AM Mon, May 05, 2008

Chuck Carlton

Dallas News

They are the friendly rivals of USA Hockey. For Mike Modano and Jeremy Roenick, it was about decades of memories as they embraced during the post-series handshake.

Modano didn't know which of the thirtysomethings was more tired after the quadruple overtime Game 6. Roenick had five shots and three hits in 30:58. Modano added an assist and was plus-one in 32:58.

"I think we both felt our age tonight as the night went on," Modano said. "He's a trooper. I just thanked him for all those years we played together and was thankful and I told him it would be great for him to come back and push me for another year. We'll see what happens this summer."

Said Roenick: "It's so fitting, being head-to-head against a guy that you have so much respect for. ... Me and Mike have a very close bond because of what we have gone through throughout our careers. You know we would battle back and forth like we did in this series. You just want to tell him that you love him and good luck. I wish Mike Modano the best every day he steps on the ice, whether it's against me or not against me."