Saturday, February 16, 2002
Habs' Koivu takes a break
By BRUCE GARRIOCH -- Sun Media
Finland won't have Saku Koivu around for inspiration during the Olympic tournament.
The Montreal Canadiens captain, who if healthy would have played a big role at these Games, has opted not to come to Salt Lake City. Instead, he has gone on a vacation after learning his stomach cancer has gone into remission.
"I think he needed a break and he wanted to go on a vacation," Finnish defenceman Sami Salo said prior to the club's opener last night against the United States. "He just wanted to get away from it all because he's been through a lot in the last few months."
Salo said the team is relieved by the news.
"Everybody was happy to hear that he's doing well," Salo said. "Obviously, he would have been here he would have been a big part of this team. All us know what a guy like Saku means to this squad."
SMYTH, JOVANOVSKI SIT
Canada coach Pat Quinn stuck by his plan not to dress all 22 players which meant LW Ryan Smyth and D Ed Jovanovski watched from the stands. Quinn said following the game perhaps Smyth should have played. "Would the result have been different? I don't know," Quinn said. "It could have been different with Ryan Smyth in there, but hindsight is 20/20 and I'm pretty good at hindsight. Ryan Smyth will play (tomorrow night). We were just trying to find 12 forwards we could use as a group."
No goal
Quinn was upset with what appeared to be a goal by Eric Lindros being called back with four minutes left in the third because Michael Peca was in the crease. "Was it a goal? I don't know because I'm not clear on what the rules are," Quinn said. "I don't know whether it was or not."
OSGOOD FOR USA?
New York Islanders goaltender Chris Osgood, whose stellar play earlier this season briefly had him mentioned when possibilities for Team Canada's goaltending positions were discussed, is thinking about playing for the U.S. in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Osgood was born in Peace River, Alta., but is eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship and said he likely will pursue.
"I think I would," Osgood, 29, said when asked if he would make himself available for the U.S. in four years, if the NHL takes part in the Olympics. "I just hope I am still around then."
Osgood, who hasn't played for Canada in an international competition, has a green card. He is married to an American and has lived in the U.S. since 1992.
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
