ScoreBoard sat down with Fox Sports Southwest analyst and two-time Stanley Cup winner Craig Ludwig to get his take on recent hockey event in these parts…
ScoreBoardTX: You and Mike Modano have been friends for years. What was you reaction when you heard he made the Hall of Fame?
Craig Ludwig: It was a no brainer…The only way I would have been surprised is if he wouldn’t have been a 1st ballot inductee. Let’s just say I was so sure that when I got back from Chris Chelios’ HOF event last year I told Mo he would have a hard time out-doing Chely’s party with the likes of Kid Rock, Cindy Crawford, Tony Danza and the list went on and on. So Mike, let’s see what ya got! Mike is a HOF’er on and off the ice
SBTX: You’re one of several former Stars who settled in and now call Dallas home. What is it about this place that makes it so popular for NHL players to put down roots?
CL: First off its the people in Dallas, they have made us all feel welcome from the day we got here. Also it has everything you’re looking for – no matter what kind of atmosphere you’re in search of….and us Harley types have lots of options on which way to head!
SBTX: The Stars have made quite a splash already this summer in acquiring Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky. What’s your take on these two players and how the moves will affect the team?
CL: The Stars are now legitimate playoff contenders with the ability to go deep if this team plays up to its capabilities. Jim Nill is my early GM of the year with the moves he’s made so far.
SBTX: What other moves would you like to see the Stars make this off-season?
CL: With their salary cap situation being about $7 million from the ceiling I don’t see them adding much more this off season unless they moved a high end contract out. They still need to get Dillon, Eakin and Roussel signed.
SBTX: Prediction for the Stars this upcoming season?
CL: I see them as a team that should not have be scratching and clawing to get into the playoff picture like they have the last few seasons here. There are some deep teams in the west and the Stars are now closer to being one of those teams. I feel if these guys play to their abilities and stay healthy, they can be a top 5 team in the West.
SBTX: Who do you see as the team(s) to beat in the west?
CL: I think it has to be the Cup champs the LA Kings…and the others would be the Blackhawks and the Ducks with their addition of Ryan Kesler.
