Montreal, QC (CP) -- Mike Modano wasn't entirely jumping for joy when he was dealt away from the only organization he's ever known.
He was hurt, surprised and a little depressed. But, that was before he joined his new team.
Yesterday, Modano flew into town a couple days after being traded to be with his new teammates. Not only did he receive a warm welcome from his peers, he was taken back by the massive fan turnout at the club's open practice.
"I certainly didn't expect this," Modano said. "I mean, I knew fans in Montreal were devoted, but... wow! It really meant a lot to get that type of reaction. I really feel part of this club, and it's day one. This was an amazing first day."
A crowd of just near 11,000 filled the Bell Centre to watch Modano skate in a Habs uniform for the first time. It was the biggest recorded attendance at a Canadiens' open practice since Zigmund Palffy drew about 5,000 when he was first acquired at the start of the season.
"This is just shows you how hockey-crazed our fans are," said alternate-captain Sheldon Souray. "We saw two long-time players leave town, and the reception Modano got was just something special. They welcomed him with open arms, and I'm sure that just gives him an incentive to perform."
The Canadiens, who currently hold a 9-9-2-1 record, face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Bell Centre on Wednesday, marking Modano's debut.
"I'm looking forward to my first game," Modano said. "I can't wait to get things started.
Modano is expected to be lined up with Palffy and Richard Zednik, according to coach Claude Julien.
"With (Mike) Ribeiro out for about three more weeks, we're forced to man two solid lines," Julien said. "Once Ribs comes back, we'll try him with Zeds and Marco Sturm and move Pavol (Demitra) to Modano's left with Ziggy."
Free T's
The Canadiens will be giving away free Modano t-shirts to the first 12,000 who enter the Bell Centre.
Lineup
The following are Montreal's line-structure for Wednesday's match-up:
Richard Zednik - Mike Modano - Zigmund Palffy
Jan Bulis - Pavol Demitra - Marco Sturm
Jamal Mayers - Todd White - Ian Laperriere
Darren Langdon - Steve Begin - Niklas Sundstrom
Janne Niinimaa - Sheldon Souray
Kenny Jonsson - Keith Carney
Barret Jackman - Mike Komisarek
Jose Theodore