Phil Housley feels for Mike Modano.

He thought his record would be broken earlier in the season, too.

Housley, the owner of the NHL's all-time scoring record by an American-born player, has been waiting for the phone call telling him that Modano had eclipsed his total.

But Modano's slow start has allowed the record chase to drag on a bit.

"It's tough on him, I can tell," Housley said by phone as he vacationed in Arizona on Friday. "But I know he's going to get it. It's just a matter of time."

Housley said he's excited about handing off the record to Modano – his teammate in several international competitions, including the 2002 Olympics.

"He's a great player, and he's really earned this with great play over a long and distinguished career," Housley said. "It's really an honor to be a part of his chase."

Housley, who is a high school hockey coach in his native Minnesota, said he's enjoyed the publicity created by Modano's pursuit of the record.

"It's nice when people ask you about it or remember what you've done in your career," Housley said. "And honestly, for me, it was so great to be able to be an NHL player, and this just allows you to go back and enjoy a few of those memories again."

Conner recalled: Chris Conner was officially recalled Friday and played his first game of the season (the 12th of his NHL career) against the Coyotes. Conner, 23, played on a line with Mike Modano and Loui Eriksson.

He said he's ready for the opportunity to be an offensive player.

"I'm not trying to make too big a deal about this or put too much pressure on," he said. "I know it's a big deal, but I want to treat it like any game."

Stars coach Dave Tippett said poise is a big part of Conner's game.

"He's a down-to-earth guy, and he's going to play the same way no matter where he is," Tippett said.

Lundqvist caught in numbers: The Stars assigned Joel Lundqvist to the Iowa Stars to make room for Conner. Lundqvist is a non-waiver player, so he can easily be sent down and recalled.

Tippett said Lundqvist has played well, but he also thinks the young forward can benefit from time in the minors.

"They'll give him some great ice time down there and some great opportunities," Tippett said. "I definitely think this can help him.

Briefly: The Stars changed goalies for the second consecutive game. Tippett pulled Mike Smith after two goals on nine shots in the first period. ... Marty Turco took over, and by doing so, moved into second place on the Stars' all-time list of games played in goal. Turco has 329. Cesare Maniago played 420. ... The Stars' healthy scratches were: Jussi Jokinen, Todd Fedoruk and Krys Barch. It was Jokinen's first scratch of the season.STARS BRIEFS