Wednesday, November 28, 2001
Make up your mind
Hurricanes sniper O'Neill wants the best of both worlds
By DICK CHUBEY -- Edmonton Sun
There's something wrong with this picture.
On one hand sniper Jeff O'Neill complains about the lack of attention hockey receives in North Carolina.
On the flip side O'Neill stands steadfast by a self-imposed rule of not talking to reporters following morning skates on game days.
Whatever happened to a little give to go along with the take?
O'Neill would cherish an opportunity to line up with Team Canada at the Olympics, but fears he performs in relative obscurity with the Carolina Hurricanes.
"I think the big papers always write about the New York Rangers, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils or the Toronto Maple Leafs,'' said O'Neill, who has 14 goals and 23 points. "We're not on TV a lot, we're not in the news a lot and I think in certain situations the media dictate a lot of things.
"I think that when you play down here, sometimes that can hurt you.''
True, but wouldn't his self-imposed silence on game days also hinder O'Neill's cause?
The 25-year-old, who had 41 goals last season, wasn't invited to Team Canada's orientation camp in Calgary back in September. There has been speculation this oversight can be linked to the fact O'Neill chose not to play in the world championships last spring.
"I have a bad fear of flying and going overseas wasn't something I was ready to do,'' he explained. "If that had something to do with not getting invited (to camp), I guess it's something I'll have to deal with.''
It might be suggested he quickly get over this phobia.
After all, not many NHLers despised flying more than Team Canada head honcho Wayne Gretzky when he was younger. Yet when the Oilers were prematurely bumped from the Stanley Cup playoffs in 1982, No. 99 quickly made his way to Europe.
'A GOOD STORY'
The top two rungs on the NHL's scoring ladder are also occupied by two performers initially snubbed when invitations to the orientation camp were dispatched.
But how does Gretzky and sidekick Kevin Lowe ignore Calgary's Jarome Iginla (20 goals, 37 points) or Detroit veteran Brendan Shanahan (18-32) now?
Shanahan, 32, insists Olympic aspirations have nothing to do with his burst out of the blocks.
"I don't think we have anything to prove,'' said the 15-year NHLer, including Iginla in the mix. "My preparation has pretty much remained the same and I'm sure his has as well. I think it's enough of an incentive to have a good season and go out every night and play your best.
"But you know ... it makes for a good story.''
THE DEVILS, YOU SAY?
Here's one to ponder: Bill Guerin headed back to New Jersey?
With the Boston winger bound for free agency at the conclusion of the season, his anticipated $6-million-US asking fee might be considered too extravagant for the Bruins.
Among teams said to be interested are the Devils and Vancouver Canucks.
"I started hearing those things a few weeks ago and the (Jersey) reference surprised me a bit, given my previous time there,'' said Guerin, who was dealt to the Oilers in 1998 following a contract dispute and lengthy holdout with the Devils.
THEY SAID IT
"One shot, three goals, not bad.'' - Ex-Oiler Mariusz Czerkawski, the recipient of a couple of favourable bounces as his Islanders tied Washington 5-5 Tuesday.
"I was in there hooking IVs up to him between periods to make sure we get him back out there.'' - Rangers defenceman Brian Leetch on the 47-save performance of goaler Mike Richter during Tuesday's 2-2 tie in Buffalo.
"If someone would have told me I would have a start like this, I personally would have drove them to the loony bin.'' - Islanders' Mark Parrish on his 16 goals, 28 points.
IN THE CREASE
In a bid to regain NHL employment, former Vancouver and Ottawa goalie Mike Fountain is performing for Togliatti in the Russian Super League ... The announced crowd of 17,727 for Atlanta's visit was the second smallest since the Canadiens moved into the Molson Centre. The Anaheim Ugly Ducks drew 17,510 on Oct. 9. A sellout is 21,273 ... With two assists against Buffalo, Mark Messier is five shy of 1,800 points and 55 back of Gordie Howe for No. 2 all-time. The 40-year-old has 14 points in 24 games.
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
