Since February, Modano has settled into his third-line role with fellow checkers Stu Barnes and Steve Ott. Not surprisingly, when the playoffs opened, the old adrenaline kicked in. The so-called checking line collected a combined 11 points in the first-round win over the Ducks. Modano is filling his new role beautifully — and then some.

"My job is to get the pieces together that give us the best chance to win, and that's where he gives us the best chance," Tippett says. "Motivating? Convincing? Whatever. Team trumps everything. Mike is a smart guy and a very good team player."

And now is Modano's time of year. The competition gets tougher, the stakes get higher. And just when it seems impossible to get more out of a guy who already gives so much, Modano finds another gear.

"I don't know if you thank (former Stars coach and general manager Bob) Gainey for it or (former coach Ken) Hitchcock, but he was taught what it takes to win back in that era," Morrow says. "He's been that for us, too."

Modano doesn't always act the role of older, wiser veteran, but he's the oldest Star. He doesn't look the role, either — whether on the ice, where his skating abilities give him a 20-something look, or off of it, where he flashes that boyish charm.

But the bottom line for Modano is simple: He doesn't have many seasons remaining, so motivation to bring Dallas another Cup title (the Stars won in 1999) is strong. The trying times of the regular season are behind him.

"Getting older, you look forward to these opportunities and possibly one final run at it," Modano says. "It's a lot more meaningful, every situation you're in. You're taking a chance you go deep in the playoffs, where it's more exciting and it's a little bit more fun to play in the games.

"Emotionally, physically, everything about it goes up that extra level. When you've been there and won and gotten to some finals, it can certainly light that flame again."

A flame that has flickered a few times but has never really come close to going out.

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