Stars blitz Red Wings

Stepping onto the Dallas ice for the first time as a visiting player, Modano receiving a rousing ovation when he was introduced, in recognition of his 20 seasons with the Stars franchise before signing with Detroit.

"There was just a world of emotions and memories," the 40-year-old Modano said. "I was involved in the game from the ground floor, helping to promote the game of hockey here in Texas. It was fun to play here."

Once the game was underway, Dallas wasted little time getting down to business when Brad Richards scored 41 seconds into the contest and the Stars added three more goals in the second period to bury the Red Wings and improve to 3-0-0.

Brenden Morrow registered his team-leading fourth goal of the season at 7:03 in the second while Loui Eriksson and James Neal also tallied for Dallas.

Stars goaltender Kari Lehtonen finished with 25 saves and appeared on course for a shutout before Niklas Kronwall grabbed a consolation goal with 8:35 remaining.

Lehtonen was acquired by Dallas last season in a trade with the Atlanta Thrashers and has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign.

The Stars franchise leader in goals, assists and points, Modano was unable to register a meaningful contribution on his big return.

"It was a night but we hadn't won three in a row in a year, and we had some jump in hour legs," Morrow said.

As if the defeat was not bad enough, the Red Wings (2-1-1) lost key forward Johan Franzen with an upper body injury in the first period.