Modano used his defensive guile, his stunning speed and his offensive skill to score a short-handed goal against San Jose's Evgeni Nabokov at the 4:24 mark of the first period of a 3-1 Stars victory over the Sharks.

He took a pass from Jere Lehtinen, went in on a breakaway, deked Nabokov and then slipped the puck between the goalie's legs.

It was Modano's second goal of the game and stretched his career total to 511 goals—already the most for an American-born player.

Modano, who was born in Livonia, Mich., now has 1,233 career points, one better than defenseman Phil Housley, who retired in 2004.

Modano told Fox Sports Southwest during a first-period TV interview that the record is the most important one he will set.

"This is the last of the numbers situations, as far as records go," said Modano, who holds pretty much every franchise scoring record for the Stars "It was something I was looking forward to at the start of the year to accomplish and get it over with, but it definitely means the most."

While Sharks forward Jeremy Roenick is at 1,178 points, it seems unlikely that he will be able to catch Modano, 37, who has two years remaining on his contract. In fact, Modano could put the mark out of reach until a new group of American-born players, led by 18-year-old Chicago rookie Patrick Kane, has the opportunity to put in a lengthy career.

Modano has struggled this season to get his game together and had five points in the first 14 games. He had been held scoreless on a three-game homestand in which he hoped to set the record in front of the home crowd.

"I think the stretch at home was building," he said. "I think the fans were kind of anticipating something happening at home. I know I had a bunch of friends and family at the rink, at the games. It was something that weighed on your mind. Every night I went out there and tried to do something, but it wasn't meant to be.

"It's a great relief, a lot of weight off the shoulders," he added. "Finally, take a deep breath and enjoy it a little bit."

Modano received a standing ovation from San Jose fans, a strong contrast to when he was booed in Nashville for setting the goal record last season.