CUE GREEN DAY

The only thing left to be "Locked Down" by these 2008 Stars is the locker room -- for the summer.

There is no question they gave it their all and exorcised some menacing playoff demons along the way but ultimately they had to absorb the same thing 29 of the 30 teams get every year -- a downer ending.

The Detroit Red Wings performed the execution with determined, detailed and drilled- into execution.

And with that the Stars of 2007-2008 closed the book on the team's 15th season in Dallas with way more positives to build upon than negatives to fret about.

The Negatives:

• No banners to hang, no hardware earned, no Cup won.
• Key veterans Modano, Zubov, Barnes and Lehtinen are all a year older.
  

The Positives:

• They got out of the First Round!
• A newfound ability to win in overtime.
• Valuable experience for the young players, the team, and this coaching staff.
• Brenden Morrow's giant steps, Marty Turco's enormous saves.
• A revitalization of the fan base.
• A return to the National media's consciousness.
• A long overdue playoff payday for Mr. Hicks.

A full autopsy will be forthcoming in the next few days (I have some thoughts, oh but do I have some thoughts) but for now, let's all just reflect upon the things that this group was able to accomplish.

Just like getting over the sting and finality of losing that 4th game, it'll take us a while.