The Road to Vancouver - Part I

Recchi carries torch
1.27.2010 / 12:00 PM ET

Mark Recchi, the NHL's senior active player, will carry the Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch in his hometown of Kamloops, British Columbia on Wednesday. He will light the Olympic cauldron outside the city's Hillside Stadium, near the Tournament Capital Centre.

Recchi, who will turn 42 on Feb. 1, is taking advantage of a four-day break in Boston's schedule to participate in the relay. The torch will arrive in Kamloops at 4:20 p.m. PT (7:30 p.m. ET) Wednesday afternoon and make its way through the city before arriving at Hillside Stadium at 7:00 p.m. PT (10:00 p.m. ET).

Wednesday is Day 90 of the torch's nation-wide tour. The relay concludes in Vancouver for the opening ceremony on February 12. The 2010 Olympic torch has passed through more than 1,000 Canadian communities since it arrived in the nation from Greece on October 29.

Recchi represented Canada at the 1998 Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, where the team finished fourth.

-- Rocky Bonanno

Kronwall returns, Holmstrom back this weekend
01.27.2010 / 10:00 a.m. ET

Punishing Swedish blue-liner Niklas Kronwall was back in the Detroit's lineup Tuesday night and skated nearly 22 minutes with a minus-1 rating in the Red Wings' stunning 5-4 overtime loss to Phoenix.

Not only is Kronwall's return from his sprained left knee great news for the Wings, who have been without him since Nov.  21, but Swedish hockey fans can also breathe a sigh of relief.

Kronwall was expected back before the Olympics, but you never know until it's official. Wings GM Ken Holland told NHL.com last Tuesday in Washington that Kronwall was a week to 10 days away, and as usual, he hit it right on the nose.

Kronwall, who was part of Tre Kronor's gold-medal winning team four years ago, had been skating for a while. He was finally pain free for a week before playing Tuesday.

"Words can't describe how important he is to our team," Wings forward Dan Cleary told the Detroit News.

Kronwall, though, might not play tonight in Minnesota, according to Mike Babcock, but only because back-to-back starts after being out for more than two months with a knee injury may not be the best for him.

The Wings want to slowly work Kronwall back into the lineup, and you know that Sweden GM Mats Naslund and coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson appreciate that.

"I thought Kronner was real good," Babcock said. "I thought he made an impact. I thought we had the puck more because he made plays. Obviously, it's going to take some time. Starting back-to-back, I don't know if we'll dress him (tonight) or not. I'll see how he's feeling and if he's capable."

There's more good news for the Swedes and the Wings. Tomas Holmstrom (sore foot) is due back by this weekend. He hasn't played since Jan. 5.

Johan Franzen, though, isn't sure if he'll make it back from knee surgery before the Olympics or just after the tournament, so he's probably a no-go in Vancouver. Then again, Franzen wasn't named to the Swedish roster because his status was so up in the air.

"I want to come back as soon as possible, but I want to be ready, too," Franzen said. "I don't want to get out there and make a fool of myself. I gotta make sure I'm ready."

-- Dan Rosen

Koivu ready to go
01.26.2010 / 3:00 p.m. ET

It appears as if a sprained right knee won't keep Anaheim center Saku Koivu out of the lineup too long. Koivu, who has missed four games, said after the Ducks' morning skate in Atlanta that he plans to play on Tuesday. The 35-year-old, selected to be Finland’s Olympic team captain, also practiced on Monday before today's morning skate.

Asked if he would play, Koivu responded, "Yeah, should be a go." Ducks coach Randy Carlyle's only comments on the matter were to instruct media members to ask Koivu about the subject himself. Koivu, who has 10 goals and 19 assists and is plus-8 in 43 games, was injured on Jan. 14 in a game against Los Angeles. The Ducks went 3-1-0 without him in the lineup and are 8-2-0 overall in their last 10.

-- John Manasso

Caps' Backstrom likes being the underdog
01.26.2010 / 2:51 p.m. ET

Sweden is coming off a gold medal in 2006 and 13 players from that team will play for Tre Kronor next month in Vancouver, but Canada and Russia are the early favorites to meet in the gold medal game on Feb. 28.

Sweden is third, fourth or maybe even fifth, depending on who you ask.

Nicklas Backstrom, an 18-year-old playing for Brynas IF in the Swedish Elite League when his country won its second gold medal in men's hockey, doesn't hide his appreciation for all the talk surrounding the Canadians and Russians.

"I think it's great that they're talking about Canada and Russia so we're coming in a little bit like underdogs," he said. "I think that's good for us. I like it that way. I like flying under the radar."

Backstrom definitely flies under the radar in Washington, where publically he's probably third in facetime behind Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green but he may be as important to the team as both of those players.

Backstrom has been so good, with 21 goals and 35 assists so far this season, that he's put himself in position to basically name his price for his next contract. Talks are proceeding slowly between Backstrom and the Caps, but he's not going anywhere and he'll be a rich man soon enough, maybe even before the Olympic break.

The Olympics could turn into a major showcase for Backstrom to show the world exactly what he's capable of. He's already played in three World Championships and two World Junior tournaments, but let's get serious. We're talking about the Olympics here.

"Absolutely it's a showcase," Backstrom said. "It's going to be a challenge for a lot of players. It's going to be a good tournament with a lot of good players. It's a tournament where you want to show up.

"The Olympics have been a dream since I was a kid," he added. "It's the whole atmosphere there. It's going to be a life experience."

-- Dan Rosen

Zubov angry about substitute status
01.26.2010 / 9:41 a.m. ET

It appears that former NHL defenseman Sergei Zubov was not too happy to be among the nine substitutes to the Olympic team named by the Russian federation this weekend.

At least, that is what he told Russian paper Sports-Express, according to a translation provided by russianhockeyfans.com.

"I've just been called by the national team's administrator and informed that I'd been included in the list of substitute players for the Olympic Games. Honestly, I didn't even know what to answer. This situation was really, really surprising.

"Also I was astonished and I'd even say offended by the words of Vladislav Tretiak, the president of the Russia Hockey Federation, and the head coach Vyacheslav Bykov. They said something like that to make the team every player should do his best and that no one will be in the team for previous achievements. I was really disappointed by all these words. That's a complete humiliation of me as a person and a sportsman. I don't have to prove anything to anyone. I honestly earned my reputation in hockey. I'm not a 25-year-old guy. I proved by 17 seasons in the NHL that I play at high level. I'm not going to prove anything to anyone anymore.

"If they found a spot for me among substitute players then I think it's a spit in my face. I really wanted to play for the national team but, unfortunately, it won't happen. I want to tell the fans I'm sorry. I think they will understand me. I wish good luck to our guys in Vancouver."

Those were harsh words from a man that has won two Stanley Cups and an Olympic gold medal. But, Zubov does have a point as he remains a top player with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. In fact, he leads all defensemen in scoring in that League.

Yet, Bykov, the Russian coach, was shocked by Zubov's comments, eventhough the player made it very clear that he was unhappy to be excluded from the 23-man roster, a slight that many believe is the result of Zubov skipping out on a national team call-up back in November.

"Frankly speaking, I don't even want to comment on this," Bykov told rt.com. "There are just three weeks ahead of the Olympics and scandals are absolutely unnecessary for us. The team needs something completely different these days -- unity, support, interest. Well, now we know Zubov's stance. But, we must go on."

--Shawn P. Roarke

Komisarek in race against time
01.26.2010 / 9:04 a.m. ET

Toronto defenseman Mike Komisrek is close to rejoining the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Komisarek, who hopes to be healthy enough to represent the United States in next month's Olympics, said Monday that he is not quite ready to return from an upper-body injury that has sidelined him for the past three weeks. But, after a vist to a specialist in Alabama, he believes he could be a go by Saturday.

That would be good news for Brian Burke, the GM of both the Maple Leafs and Team USA, and Ron Wilson, who coaches both those clubs.

"It's been a tough couple of weeks, sitting on the sidelines, not playing, not helping your teammates," Komisarek said. "It's definitely tough watching the games and not being part of the games, and not being out there battling side-by-side with your teammates."

It's actually been a tough year for Komisarek, a splashy free-agent signing by the Maple Leafs. He has been routinely injured and has no goals and just 4 points in 34 games. He also has an ugly minus-9 rating on a team that sits No. 28 in the 30 team League.

Now, he has the fear that he may well miss the Olympics because of injury. He knows the clock is ticking as he fights to regain his health. And, just in case the sense of urgency was not as keen as it should be, Wilson turned up the heat on Monday.

"(Tuesday) is three weeks to our first game," Ron Wilson told website 640Toronto.com. "If you take the one week away, he has I'd say a week to feel comfortable. If he's not, we'd have to make other plans for the Olympics. I'm not going to put his career at risk. And we're not going to risk his future with the Leafs for a two-week Olympic thing, either."

--Shawn P. Roarke

Stars once again shining in Dallas
01.26.2010 / 8:39 a.m. ET

A pair of Olympians is due back in the Dallas Stars lineup for Wednesday's game against the Calgary Flames.

Both Canadian forward Brenden Morrow (oblique) and Finnish forward Jere Lehtinen (neck) are expected to practice this afternoon and play in Wednesday's home game against the struggling Flames.

The players were both injured in a Jan. 16 game against the Detroit Red Wings and did not make the just-concluded road trip.

NHL.com staff writer Mike Morreale recently had an interesting look at Jere Lehtinen, one of the more experienced players on Team Finland. Dan Rosen, meanwhile, talked with Morrow about surviving the Team Canada roster bubble.

Canadian Press writer Chris Johnson caught up with Team Canada GM Steve Yzerman this week and has some insight nto the status of all of Canada's injured players.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Orpik thinks about the what ifs
01.25.2010 / 3:27 p.m. ET

Brooks Orpik usually won't shy away from a hit, especially if it can be a game-changer in open ice. That's why Orpik is quietly hoping that in the Olympics, when the Americans are playing either the Russians or the Canadians, he doesn't catch Pittsburgh teammates Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby napping.

Orpik would have to hit them, right?

He'd be letting down America if he didn't. He'd be letting down his teammates who want to win gold as badly as he does. He would most definitely be letting down Ron Wilson and Brian Burke, the men who put him on the team.

But, what if he does? What if Crosby comes across the middle and Orpik knows he can derail him with a blow? What if Malkin is skating with his head down and Orpik lines him up?

It's almost enough to keep a punishing defenseman like Orpik up at night.

"You definitely think, 'What if I injure one of those guys?' " Orpik said. "And, then what's the backlash when we get back (to Pittsburgh)."

I then asked Orpik if he sees Crosby or Malkin ripe for the taking, well, what do you then?

"Maybe take him out of the play, yeah," Orpik told NHL.com. "I think naturally you would let up a bit, but in terms of just battling, you can't let up on those guys. They're so talented that once you do let up on them they get a step on you and you can't recover.

"It's unique," he added. "You put so much of your effort and time, invest it here, and then you go out and play against those guys in a two week tournament. You can't let up on those guys at all because they will make you look pretty stupid and they won't let up on you at all."

It's not as if Orpik openly talks about this kind of stuff with Malkin and Crosby. He said the Penguins' Olympians, a group that also includes Sergei Gonchar and Marc-Andre Fleury, barely ever discuss the upcoming tournament.

"To be honest, and I'm not just saying this, there really hasn't been hardly any talk," Orpik said. "When guys got named to the team they congratulated each other, but there really hasn't been that much talk about it. I don't think you can afford to put too much attention to it right now with what we're in right now."

-- Dan Rosen

Fleury set to return
01.25.2010 / 2:00 p.m. ET

Marc-Andre Fleury admitted this morning at Madison Square Garden that he did think about his status for the upcoming Olympics when the pain in his left ring finger didn't subside.

Fleury broke his finger after Ryan Stone's slap shot hit him squarely on the outside of the glove on Jan. 14, but he only had to sit and watch three games in street clothes and one as the backup goalie. He's back tonight against the Rangers and his Olympics are saved.

Not that they were really ever in jeopardy.

"When it happened I thought about it because I wanted to know how long it would take to come back for sure, but they told me it wouldn't be long," Fleury said, sounding relieved. "I still have a grip in there, so I figure a month from here I should be fine."

Fleury will play tonight with a new catching glove designed exclusively for him. It gives him added room inside the glove so he can fit the splint that is protecting his finger in snugly. It also gives him added protection on the outside of the glove.

If his finger heals properly, Fleury should not have to use a specially-designed glove in the Olympics.

-- Dan Rosen

Swedish Wings getting healthy
01.25.2010 / 1:03 p.m. ET

Positive vibes were emanating out of Detroit this week for Team Sweden.

Big punishing defenseman Nik Kronwall is back on the ice and reporting no pain in his injured knee. Power forward Tomas Holmstrom, meanwhile, has started skating after suffering a hairline fracture on Jan. 6

Holmstrom says he hopes to come back either Jan. 29 or Jan. 31. If he keeps to that timetable, Holmstrom will have two full weeks of game action before reporting to Vancouver for the Olympic tournament.

Kronwall hasn't played since spraining his left MCL on a knee-on-knee hit with Montreal's Georges Laraque on Nov 21.

The defenseman has been skating on and off for the better part of the past mnonth, but has not felt right until the past week.

"It's always frustrating when you don't know really what's going on," Kronwall told the Detroit Free Press earlier this week "But I had a good day skating yesterday and today felt even better, I did some more stuff than I did yesterday and it still feels really good, so hopefully I’ll come in tomorrow morning and still feel really good. It definitely feels like we’re on to something."

Despite the optimism, there is no firm timetable for Kronwall's return.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Report: Russia has substitute plan
01.25.2010 / 12:28 p.m. ET

Kovalev

A Russian Website reported during the weekend that Russia has formulated a list of nine substitutes for its Olympic team, which was named Christmas Day.

According to infox.ru, current NHLers Alexei Kovalev (Ottawa), Alexander Frolov (Los Angeles) and Nikolai Kulemin (Toronto) are on the list and have been issued Olympic equipment.

Former NHL defensemen Sergei Zubov and Oleg Tverdovsky, both now playing in the KHL, are also on the sub list. Zubov was perhaps the most surprising omission when Russia submitted its roster last month.

Frolov

Vasiliy Koschechkin, Alexander Eremenko, Vitaliy Proshkin and Alexei Tereschenko, all from the KHL, were the other players on the substitute list.

It is unclear how Russia plans to add these substitutes to its official roster, which is due Feb. 15. The IIHF has made it clear that changes to the provisional rosters submitted last month can only be made in the case of injury. Right now, goalie Semyon Varlamov is the only NHL player on the Russian roster that is injured.

--Shawn P. Roarke

A. Kostitsyn unlikely for Belarus
01.25.2010 / 10:59 a.m. ET

Belarusian coach Mikhail Zakharov spoke recently with IIHF.com and stated that Andrei Kostitsyn may not be ready to play in time for the Olympics.

Montreal's Kostitsyn has been sidelined since late December with a knee injury that required surgery. Zakharov is unsure that Andrei Kostitsyn will be ready in time and suggested he may name a replacement a week before the tournament rosters are due on Feb. 15.

"With Kostitsyn, it's a serious situation after his knee surgery," Zakharov told the Website.

But, on a happier note, Zakharov said that Toronto's Mikhail Grabovski should be available, despite breaking his wrist earlier this month

"Grabovsky started to skate but he still uses a cast," Zakharov said. "We think he will be able to play."

In jury questions are also swirling around Colorado Defenseman Ruslan Salei, who is on injured reserve with a back injury, and Montreal's Sergei Kostitsyn, Andrei's brother. Sergei returned from an ankle injury in Saturday's game against the New York Rangers, playing 13 minutes.

Sergei Kostitsyn has just one goal and four points in 20 appearances with the Canadiens this season.

So, how does Zakharov see his team doing, especially with all four of his NHL players dealing with injury issues?

"We will take the place for which we are ready," he said."It will be the strongest tournament in hockey history and we will grow with it. There are many NHL players, also Germany which is in our group, has many NHL players."

--Shawn P. Roarke

The Russian QB
01.22.2010 / 6:00 p.m. ET

There's no question Russian Olympic coach Vyacheslav Bykov will be looking to defenseman Andrei Markov to not only solidify his defensive end, but chip in as a catalyst whenever his team is presented a power-play opportunity.

"Andrei Markov is one of the key figures in our team's defense," Bykov told the Moscow daily Sport-Express. "He is a very strong defenseman in attacking and defensive work. You know that we always tried to develop traditions of Soviet attacking hockey. Attack is often the best way of defense and in this respect our fans should be satisfied with our hockey."

Markov returned to the Montreal Canadiens lineup on Dec. 19 after missing the previous 35 games with a lacerated tendon in his ankle suffered in the season-opener on Oct. 1 in Toronto. He's since notched 3 goals and 14 points in 16 games, including 3 goals and 8 points as the quarterback of the League's second-rated power-play.

For Markov, getting his second shot to play in the Olympic Games is a dream come true.

"It's like a dream any sportman would love," Markov said. "It's huge honor to be there and it's an unbelievable feeling. It's my second and hopefully not my last one."

When asked which Olympic Team he felt possessed the most talent, Markov shook his head.

"I don't know," he said with a smile. "Maybe Canada playing home is a plus, but maybe it's a minus. I don't know, tough to say.

"I do know you can have any star or any talent on the team, but you have to play like a team if you want victory," he added. "If you're going to play like a team, I think it's going to be OK."

--Mike G. Morreale

Sizing up Russia
1.22.2010 / 10:30 AM ET

NHL.com Special Correspondent John Dellapina visited the NHL Live! studio this week to break down Russia's chances at next month's Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Click here to watch his appearance with hosts Rob Simpson and Billy Jaffe.

Fleury raring to return
01.20.2010 / 6:04 p.m. ET

While the broken finger on Marc-Andre Fleury's catching hand might be painful, it does not appear it will be a pain for Team Canada.

Fleury should be back in plenty of time to fulfill his role as one of Canada's three goalies in the Olympics, joining New Jersey's Martin Brodeur and Vancouver's Roberto Luongo. In fact, according to Fleury, he should be back in the crease by this weekend at the latest.

It seems the goalie is waiting for a new catching glove that will accommodate his swollen finger more comfortably.

"We are waiting for a new glove for Flower," Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said Wednesday. "He should be getting it (Thursday) morning. He'll be going on the ice with the new glove prior to practice. He could possibly practice with us. ... We are waiting for a new glove that would fit what he needs to wear on his finger and make it more comfortable. We'll see how that goes. Hopefully we can progress to practice and we'll go from there."

Fleury

Fleury said Wednesday that it was just a matter of managing the residual pain from the injury and breaking in the new glove when it arrives.
 
"Usually, it maybe takes two weeks," Fleury said of the breaking-in process. "So, maybe I’ll put it in the shower for a while."

Fleury also said he was not rushing back because of the games looming on Pittsburgh's schedule. The Penguins host the rival Washington Capitals on Thursday and then travel to Philadelphia for Saturday afternoon's NHL on NBC game against the Flyers.

"I don’t like to be sidelined and watching the game on TV," Fleury said.

--Shawn P. Roarke.


Crosby discusses Olympics
01.20.2010 / 4:38 p.m. ET

Even Sidney Crosby's legendary focus is not immune to the siren song that is the Olympics.

Crosby's Penguins are home now from their biannual Western Canada excursion, a trip that concluded with a Saturday night stop in Vancouver, site of next month's 2010 Olympic hockey tournament.

Crosby admitted he spent some time while in Vancouver, as well as during the long flight home, contemplating what it will mean to pull on a Team Canada jersey before a pro-Canada crowd as the Canadaians try to win back the gold medal they won in Salt Lake City in 2002 before it was surrendered to the Swedes four years later.

"We were in Vancouver last week and I was able to take things in," Crosby said Wednesday after practice at Mellon Arena. "You're always wondering what things will look like, but I was there and it was good to mentally see that and prepare a little bit."

While having a bit of familiarity with the host city and understanding the passion with which the city's hockey fans will embrace the national team may be comforting, he knows the most important thing is that hje is ready to play at his absolute best when the puck is dropped to start the 12-nation tournament on Feb. 16.

"I think, for me, the most important thing is that I'm playing as well as possible," Crosby said. That's really been my focus and I guess, when time permits, you let yourself think about what it'll be like a little bit." 

Is Crosby playing as well as he possibly can? Well, it's a tough proposition to argue against. He is coming off a six-point night against the Islanders on Tuesday and his 32 goals are not only second in the League, but just seven off his career high. His 63 points are just four off the League lead.

So, is this as good as Crosby can play?

"That's hard to say," Crosby said. "Sometimes you are playing real good hockey and not getting points and sometimes the puck is bouncing your way and you're getting points. I feel pretty good and that is the most important thing. I'll leave (whether it is my best) to other people to decide, but I feel good and, hopefully things keep going."

--Shawn P. Roarke

Don Cherry on Team Canada
01.20.2010 / 3:30 p.m. ET

Before becoming one of Canada's most outspoken hockey commentators, Don Cherry was a pretty successful NHL coach.

During the 1975-76 campaign, in fact, he would garner the Jack Adams Award as the League's top boss after leading the Boston Bruins to a 48-15-17 mark before losing a five-game series to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Conference Finals.

He also joined fellow coaches Scotty Bowman, Bobby Kromm and Al MacNeil in helping lead Team Canada to the 1976 Canada Cup title following a two-game sweep of Czechoslovakia in the final.

For the most part, Cherry agreed with the majority of players named to Team Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Still, it wasn't too much of a shock when he admitted being surprised at the omission of two players during a Jan. 19 conference call for Hockey Day In Canada.

"I thought Jordan Staal should have been on because of his (penalty-killing) ability," Cherry said on the call. "He's magic and he's the guy you put out there on 5-on-3 situations.

"I was kind of surprised that (Mike) Green never got picked either. I think of all the guys who didn't get picked, Green's the guy that's really heartbroken and they way he's playing now, he's out to prove they were wrong in not choosing him. So, I think those two guys should have been on. But again, I'm sure some of the guys I like, they wouldn't want either."

Green is the only player in the NHL with three eight-game point streaks this season and he's scored points in 36 of the Washington Capitals' 49 games this season. He leads all NHL defensemen with 12 goals and 50 points -- becoming the fifth Capitals defenseman to post three straight 50-point seasons (Scott Stevens, Sergei Gonchar, Kevin Hatcher and Larry Murphy).

Green has led NHL defensemen in goals each of the past two seasons. Staal, meanwhile, has 13 goals and 34 points in 50 games for Pittsburgh. He also leads the team with two shorthanded goals.

Elias has concussion, placed on IR
01.20.2010 / 9:14 a.m. ET

Patrik Elias, captain of the Czech team at the Vancouver Olympics, has been diagnosed with a concussion and placed on IR by the New Jersey Devils.

Elias, who already missed a dozen games earlier this season, was injured in Saturday's road game against Colorado. He was knocked unconscious and stretchered off the ice after taking a hit from Ryan Wilson 38 seconds into the second period of the 3-1 loss to the Avalanche.

New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello told reporters Tuesday that Elias had seen a specialist and been diagnosed with concussion symptoms. Elias will not be allowed to take part in physical activities until his concussion symptoms disappear. He was placed on IR retroactively to Saturday and will not be eligible to play for at least a week.

Lamoriello is not sure when his first-line forward will return to action, but he said that the specter of Elias missing the Olympic hockey tournament, which begins Feb. 16 in Vancouver, is not a front-burner issue for Elias at the moment.

"I don't think that's even a thought process or a concern."

--Shawn P. Roarke

Hejduk no longer option for Czechs
01.20.2010 / 8:57 a.m. ET

Hopes that Milan Hejduk would be among a short list of proven performers available as injury replacements to the Czech Republic in the Olympics have been dashed

The Colorado forward underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday and will be sidelined for two to four weeks.

A chronic battle with knee problems caused Hejduk not to be named to the Czech Republic's provisional roster last month, but there was a belief that he would be among the first call-ups, if healthy, if the Czechs needed a replacement before final rosters are due on Feb. 15.

Hejduk certainly has the credentials to play for the Czechs, having already appeared in three Olympics, including a gold medal-winning performance in 1998. The 33-year-old has 15 goals and 15 assists in 40 games this season for the resurgent Avalanche.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Finland's Lehtinen on IR
01.20.2010 / 7:40 a.m. ET

Lehtinen

The Dallas Stars placed forward Jere Lehtinen on injured reserve Tuesday, retroactive to Jan. 16, with an upper body injury. Lehtinen, who will be playing for his native Finland in the Winter Olympics for a fifth straight time, was injured during the Stars' shootout win over Detroit on Saturday.

Lehtinen, 36, has played in 32 games this season for Dallas and has three goals and eight assists. Stars coach Marc Crawford still considers the three-time Selke Trophy winner the team's top defensive-forward. He is third in franchise history with 849 career games under his belt.

--Mike G. Morreale

Elias taken off ice on stretcher
01.16.2010 / 4:30 p.m. ET

Devils forward Patrik Elias, the captain for the Czech Republic national team headed to Vancouver, was carted off the ice on a stretcher after he took a shoulder-to-head hit from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ryan Wilson 38 seconds into the second period of New Jersey's game at Pepsi Center on Saturday.

Elias was about to backhand the puck into the Avalanche zone when Wilson skated over and connected with his left shoulder to Elias' face in front of Devils' bench along the blueline.

Elias dropped to the ice on his left side as a trainer attended to the Devils' alternate captain. Elias was awake as he was led off the ice on the stretcher. He raised his right arm and waved to the Avalanche crowd, which applauded for him.

Elias was placed on IR retroactive to Saturday and will miss at least seven days. Losing Elias, who helped lead his country to a bronze medal at the '06 Games in Turin, would obviously be a huge blow to the Czech Republic. Elias missed the first 13 games of the season while recovering from abdominal surgery. Elias had 10 goals and 26 points in 31 games prior to facing the Avalanche on Saturday. He is the Devils' all-time scoring leader with 732 career points, including 188 career multi-point contests.

--Mike G. Morreale

Paul Martin remains questionable
01.16.2001 / 3:25 p.m. ET

There's still a remote possibility that New Jersey Devils defenseman Paul Martin, who has been sidelined since Oct. 24 with a fractured left forearm, might be able to give it a go for Team USA when the Winter Olympics commence next month.

Devils General Manager Lou Lamoriello is holding out hope for Martin, who was selected to participate in his first Olympic Games.

"There's still time," Lamoriello told The (Newark) Star-Ledger. "You don't want to mislead or misrepresent. I'd rather say it's longer than shorter.

"We're going to make sure everything is 100 percent," he said. "Of course, it will take some time after (he even begins skating with the team in two weeks). Nothing is displaced. Nothing changed. It's just taking longer than maybe we expected."

Back when Team USA GM Brian Burke announced the roster for the American squad on New Year's Day in Boston, he said the managerial staff would wait as long as possible before looking into a replacement along the blue line for Martin.

The United States plays its first game of the Winter Olympics on Feb. 16 against Switzerland.

--Mike G. Morreale
Krejci sidelined
1.15.2010 / 5:38 PM ET

Krejci

Boston Bruins center David Krejci was held out of the team's 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday with an undisclosed injury.

According to the Boston Globe, the Czech Republic native was at HP Pavilion Thursday morning for treatment and was walking with discomfort.

More to come.

--Mike G. Morreale

Karsums joins Latvian flock
1.15.2010 / 9:15 AM ET

It appears Martins Karsums will be a little more in tune with his Latvian teammates when the Olympics roll around.

Karsums, who had been playing in Norfolk of the American Hockey League, was assigned to HC MVD Balashika of the Kontinental Hockey League on Thursday. MVD Balashikha is coached by Olegs Znaroks, who will coach Latvia in the Olympics.

Karsums, taken No. 64 in the 2004 Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins, had 16 points and a plus-1 rating in 36 games with the Admirals this season.

He represented his country in last summer’s World Championships, recording a goal and four points in six games.

Daugavins

While Karsums was headed East to join the KHL, another Latvian made his NHL debut. Kaspars Daugavins was called up from Binghamton (AHL) by the Ottawa Senators and made his NHL debut Thursday night against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in a 2-0 victory.

The Ottawa forward becomes the third NHLer on Team Latvia's roster, joining Dallas defenseman Karlis Skrastins and Philadelphia defenseman Oskars Bartulis.

Daugavins, who played a little more than eight minutes against the Rangers and registered two shots, had 11 goals and 10 assists in 37 games with the Baby Sens. He was the team's third-round choice, No. 91, in the 2006 Entry Draft.

--Shawn P. Roarke

From bad to worse for Finns
1.15.2010 / 8:46 AM ET

Things went from bad to worse for Team Finland on Thursday night as Anaheim center Saku Koivu was lost to a lower-body injury in the second period of an eventual 4-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.

Koivu, named as the captain of Team Finland, did not return for the third period of the game after getting tied up with a Kings player on a faceoff and then skating slowly back to the bench midway through the period. His status for Sunday's game against Calgary at the Honda Center is unknown.

Koivu has 10 goals and 19 assists in 42 games.

He is the second Finnish superstar -- and second Duck -- to be bitten by the injury bug in the past 48 hours. Teemu Selanne -- the leading scorer in the 2006 Olympics -- suffered a broken jaw in Wednesday's game against Boston.

Selanne underwent surgery Thursday and his Olympic participation could well be in jeopardy. He has been ruled out anywhere from two to six weeks and if it proves to be closer to six, Selanne will not be ready for the tournament, which begins Feb. 16 in Vancouver.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Team USA's Captain America
1.14.2010 / 4:16 PM ET

What do Jonathan Toews, Corey Perry and Rick Nash have in common? Obviously, they all will play for Team Canada in Vancouver this February in the 2010 Olympics. But, less obviously -- and far more interestingly -- they have all been on the receiving end of punches from David Backes in the past two weeks.


Did we mention that Backes will play for Team USA in that same tournament and Team USA GM Brian Burke is a big fan of truculence? Coincidence? Backes says so, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

"No direct agenda there," Backes told Rutherford for his blog. "They just tend to be the guys that are in my way and creating some havoc around . . ."

Since Davis Payne took over as coach from Andy Murray in late December, he has deployed Backes against the opposition's top line. As a result, he has been on the ice against big-name players like Perry, Nash and Toews. Or even San Jose's Dany Heatley, another Team Canada player. Backes and Heatley got in a shoving match recently.


"It's certainly a great statement by David that hey . . . if this is going to be the matchup, you’re going to have to deal with all areas of the game," Payne told Rutherford. "The other teams are going to have to defend, they’re going to have to go through big bodies, and if they don’t like it, obviously David has made some great statements the last few games."

Will it continue?

Nobody knows for sure, but it is a safe bet that Backes should get a respite from his one-man war against Canada. The Blues play Minnesota on Thursday night and the Rangers on Saturday. Neither team harbors anyone that will wear the maple leaf in Vancouver.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Mixed bag for Sweden
1.14.2010 / 10:16 AM ET

Sweden got some good news and bad news Tuesday.

First, the good news. It appears that Daniel Alfredsson will make another miraculous recovery from injury and be ready to play for Team Sweden well before Feb. 15. You can read more about his rehab here. Unfortunately, injury questions still swirl around Peter Forsberg and that is bad news indeed.

Alfredsson has been on the shelf since suffering a separated shoulder in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was expected to be out until early February, but he is already skating on his own and plans to join his team, currently on the road, later this week. He has suggested that Monday's afternoon against the Bruins could be the date of his return.

For Alfredsson, quick returns are nothing new.

In 2008, he played throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs despite suffering torn knee ligaments in the regular season's final game. Last season, he missed just one week after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery during the season and, later in the campaign, missed just one game after suffering a broken jaw.

"There's no difference from me or anybody else ... it's all probably in our DNA as hockey players to come back fairly quick and handle games maybe better than some other people," Alfredsson told reporters Wednesday.

Alfredsson says he is pushing to get back to help the Ottawa Senators save a season that has been ravaged by injuries. He doesn't expect any complications from the healed shoulder, but he did say he won't play in the Olympics if it could jeopardize his season with the Senators.
Now, on to Forsberg -- a man who knows more than his fair share about injuries.

Forsberg was a surprise inclusion to Team Sweden considering his injury history -- especially the foot issues that cut short his NHL career. But, he had shown enough in a comeback attempt with his hometown club in Sweden, MoDo, to pique the interest of Sweden's coaching staff. He backed up that faith with 15 points in his first nine games.

But, Forsberg has been out since injuring his ribs and now may not play until the final week of January, according to the team's Website. That will give the superstar a little more than two weeks to get ready for the Olympic tournament, which begins Feb. 16.

Sweden will face a tough decision if Forsberg is not completely healthy soon.  Revisions, due to injury, can be made to the provisional roster Sweden submitted last month, but they must be done so by Feb. 15. After that date, no roster changes can be made for any reason.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Bad break for Selanne
1.14.2010 / 9:41 AM ET

Finland's Olympic effort took a hit Wednesday night when Anaheim's Teemu Selanne broke his jaw in a game against Boston. You can read the NHL.com story here.

There is no timetable for His return at this moment, but he is scheduled to undergo surgery Thursday morning.

The Finns, already desperate for scoring help, can not be happy about the thought that Selanne could be playing his way back into full fitness as the Olympics arrive. Worse yet, what if he is not ready to play at all by mid-February?

Four years ago, Selanne was Finland's most dangerous offensive player, tying for the tournament lead with 11 points in 8 games. He was one of four Finns named to to the All-Tournament Team after Finland took a silver medal in the competition.

This season, when healthy, Selanne has been effective, showing flashes of the scoring brilliance that marked the early part of his career. After missing 17 games with a hand injury, Selanne had scored in each of his first two games back before Wednesday night's injury.

Speaking of the Finns, I made a mistake during Tuesday's appearance on NHL Live while discussing the Finnish team. Asked if Finland had named its captain, I said no. Well, the Finns have named their captain and, not surprisingly, it is Saku Koivu, Selanne's teammate in Anaheim.

My apologies to both Saku Koivu and Team Finland. 

--Shawn P. Roarke

Finnishing the Czech
1.13.2010 / 3:30 PM ET

NHL.com Managing Editor Shawn P. Roarke visited the NHL Live! studio on Wednesday to give his take on Finland's entry for next month's Winter Olympic Games. Click here to watch his appearance with Rob Simpson and Billy Jaffe.

Also, Predators forward Martin Erat, who will represent the Czech Republic in Vancouver, was a call-in guest to NHL Live! Listen to what Erat had to say: Martin Erat 1/13/10.

Nine Olympians, no goals, plenty of thrills
1.13.2010 / 12:00 PM ET

Wouldn't hockey fans love to see a Canada-Sweden gold medal-game performance in the Olympics that could match the intensity and sensational play of Tuesday night's Devils-Rangers showdown at Madison Square Garden? If the two nations do meet for all the marbles on Feb. 28 in Vancouver, they'll have the two correct goaltenders for the occasion.

In a back-and-forth affair every bit as exciting as a high-scoring contest, Brodeur made 51 saves and Lundqvist 45 saves in New Jersey's 1-0 shootout win. The game wasn't decided until the final shot on goal, a wicked wrister off the stick of New Jersey's Patrik Elias, who just happens to be the captain for the Czech Republic next month.

"It was fun to play," Lundqvist told NHL.com. "It was a 0-0 game, but there was a lot of action out there. It is tough to lose it. As a goalie, going into a shootout, I play a big part so there is a little extra frustration when you lose it."

Brodeur and Lundqvist are the odds-on favorites to be the No. 1 goalies for Canada and Sweden, respectively.

Rangers leading scorer Marian Gaborik -- one of Slovakia's leading men for Vancouver -- was almost the goal-scoring hero in overtime, but his shot trickled past Brodeur and glanced off the far post.

"I had no clue," Brodeur said of what happened after Gaborik's shot hit him. "I made the save, and I dropped it and I saw him just chip it. I just didn't want him to hit it off of me. It just squirted out on the other side. I saw it on the replay. I didn't really see it when it happened."

Other Olympians featured in the contest were Devils Jamie Lanngenbrunner (U.S.), Zach Parise (U.S.) and Johnny Oduya (Sweden), and Rangers Ryan Callahan (U.S.) and Chris Drury (U.S.).

"I was glad I was involved because I thought that was a hell of a game to watch," said Rangers coach and U.S. assistant coach John Tortorella.

--Rocky Bonanno

Malone honored to get the call
01.08.2010 / 6:30 p.m. ET

Ryan Malone called his phone conversation with Team USA associate General Manager David Poile "indescribable."

For Malone, the rugged and tough point-producer for the Tampa Bay Lighting, having an opportunity to compete in his first Olympic Games is something he knows will be an experience of a lifetime.

"After getting the phone call, you're still kind of unsure of everything that's going to happen and take place but (Poile) told me to watch the introduction of Team USA at the conclusion of the Winter Classic," Malone recalled. "It was great, seeing a little kid turn around with your name and number on it. It was a pretty cool feeling."

Malone

Malone, of Pittsburgh, Pa., has competed in two international events throughout his career -- the 2004 and '06 World Championships. He produced 5 goals and 7 points in 16 games wearing the USA sweater. He's currently in his second season with the Lightning and sixth NHL season overall.

While it will be different not seeing such veteran players like Keith Tkachuk, Mike Modano or Chris Chelios on the ice at these Olympic Games, Malone admits this younger generation of player will be playing with those legends on their minds.

"Those guys were the guys we grew up watching and they paved the way for us," Malone, 30, said. "All the younger guys tried to emulate, in one way or the other, their styles. But, obviously, for myself to have the opportunity to go over there and do whatever you can to help your country will be great. But you have to respect everything those players in the past have done for USA Hockey so when we go there, you don't want to let those guys down either."

--Mike G. Morreale

Lehtinen becoming an Olympic fixture
01.07.2010 / 4:33 p.m. ET

Is there any question Dallas Stars forward Jere Lehtinen knows a little something about the Winter Olympics?

In February, the three-time Selke Trophy winner will be representing his native Finland in the Winter Games for the fifth straight time. That's pretty remarkable.

"I don't really think about it that much but it's been great to play for your country," Lehtinen told NHL.com. "Especially that first time you play in the Olympics (in 1994 in Lillehammer). It was like, 'Wow, I'm really here.'

"It's something I was dreaming about as a kid, but every time you play in the Olympics, it's a new feel. I know I've played so many times in Olympics now, but it's still new to me each time. You get the butterflies -- and it's going to be great again."

Much like it was whenever he had an opportunity to join his older brother on the outdoor hockey ponds back home in Espoo.

"It wasn't hockey 24/7, but we did play a lot of outside hockey on the rinks and ponds," he said. "I started when I was about 3-4 years old and my brother was three years older, so I followed him and played outside hockey and everyone did the same thing. Through my childhood, where I lived, it was only a couple of minutes to get there."

Read the full story on Lehtinen here. Keep checking back to NHL.com as Olympic coverage heats up in the coming weeks as we come closer to Opening Ceremonies next month in Vancouver.

--Mike G. Morreale

Bergeron broken thumb, Yzerman not concerned
01.05.10 / 9:50 p.m. ET
 

Bergeron

Finally, some official word from the Bruins.
 
According to Bish's Blog on the Bruins' team web-site, GM Peter Chiarelli confirmed that Patrice Bergeron has a broken thumb and will be out at least two weeks. Surgery will not be required.
 
In a text to NHL.com, Team Canada Executive Director Steve Yzerman said he's not concerned. "Nothing serious with Bergeron, couple of weeks or so," were Yzerman's exact words in the text.
 
-- Dan Rosen

Chemistry mattered for Seabrook and Keith
12.30.2009 / 6 p.m. ET

In the end, Steve Yzerman said there was no real reason to debate the issue.

Seabrook

Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith are arguably the League's best defensive pair right now, and with both being Canadian, well, how could Yzerman not pick them for the Olympic roster?

"We spent a lot of time discussing it and when it came down to making our decision yesterday we brought up how important it is to have the pair," Yzerman said. "We liked the pair and then we thought can both of these players can stand on their own, too. We thought they can play on this team, and then there was the familiarity of knowing we have a good pair.

Keith

"Chicago may have the League's stingiest defense and these are the two players that play against the other teams top players game in and game out and they are not allowing many goals," he added. "When we thought about it, it really was an easy decision for us. We said, 'Let's just go with them. Let's not get cute.' We all felt pretty strongly at the end of the day this is the right thing to do."

Yzerman wasn't asked about it, but it's fairly obvious that chemistry also mattered in the selection of the Sharks trio of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley as well as the Ducks' pair of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

-- Dan Rosen

A new Captain Canada
12.30.2009 / 3:45 p.m. ET

It was thrown in subtly as they were announcing the defensemen for Team Canada, but if you listened close enough you heard that Scott Niedermayer was named the team's captain.

We all pretty much predicted that would happen and it's because Niedermayer is the natural choice. Nobody has won more than this guy.

He's headed for his second Olympic Games after winning gold in 2002 before having to pull himself out of the 2006 Games due to injury. It's his seventh appearance for Team Canada in an international event. He has won four gold medals.

Niedermayer is the only player in hockey history to have won the Stanley Cup, Memorial Cup and gold medals in the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup and World Juniors.

"It's just an honor to be on the team, then to be named captain of the club is an honor as well," said Niedermayer, who wears the 'C' in Anaheim. "I'm just going to do the best I can, not really change anything or do anything drastically different. I guess in some ways, I won't make a huge deal about it. You just go about your business and try to be prepared and be at your best when you need to be."

On Jan. 12, Niedermayer was a call-in guest to NHL Live! Listen to waht he had to say: Scott Niedermayer 1/12/10

-- Dan Rosen

Bartulis happy to be an Olympian
12.30.2009 / 2:30 p.m. ET

Flyers defenseman Oskars Bartulis will be one of just two NHL players representing Latvia at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver come February. It's especially gratifying for the 22-year-old rookie because entering the season, he wasn't a lock to make the team.

"It feels good because it's always nice to play for your country, especially now and in the Olympics," Bartulis said Wednesday as the Flyers prepared to face the New York Rangers. "Back in the summer it was like 50-50 for me but then the season went pretty well for me."

Bartulis, who could be paired with the only other NHL player on Latvia's roster, defenseman Karlis Skrastins of the Dallas Stars, didn't make the Flyers out of training camp, but received a callup from the AHL's Adirondack Phantoms on Nov. 9. He's yet to score in 24 NHL games, but he has contributed 5 assists. In 12 games with the Phantoms, he contributed 2 goals and 2 assists.

Latvia is looking to improve on its showing in 2006. It won its spot in the Torino Olympics by winning a qualification tournament, then surprised many by earning a 3-3 draw with the United States in the first game of pool play.

But that would be Latvia's high point. They lost their next four games to Sweden, Slovakia, Russia and Kazakhstan by a combined 26-8. Bartulis wasn't part of that team, but he thinks the experience Latvia gained in 2006 will translate into more success in 2010.

"I think so because four years ago we had a young team and the guys are more experienced now," Bartulis said when asked if Latvia could improve this time around. "There's just a couple young guys. I think we'll play a lot bettter than last time."

One of the concerns for players who will represent their countries at the 2010 Games is the grind of playing a more compact NHL schedule coupled with the two weeks or so of the Olympic tournament. Fortunately for Bartulis, he has 22-year-old legs and isn't exactly worried about a few extra weeks of wear and tear.

"It's good because I'm a young guy. It's not like I need to rest," Bartulis said. "It's not going to be that crazy a schedule there like it is now. I think we play our first game the 17th and the second one on the 20th. So it's like three days between. After that, we'll see what happens."

-- Dave Lozo

Sturm to make fourth Olympic appearance
12.30.2009 / 2:30 p.m. ET

Marco Sturm is the all-time NHL leader in games, goals, assists and points by a player born and raised in Germany so it wasn't too much of a shock to see his name among the 23 selected to play for the German National Team at the 2010 Olympics.

Sturm, a veteran of 12 NHL seasons, will be making his fourth straight Olympic appearance.

Not only has Sturm, 31, been a leader on the ice in his five seasons with the Boston Bruins, but coach Claude Julien considers him a reliable source off it.

"He's been around for so long -- we consider him one of our leaders," Julien said. "We rely on him a lot. Not just to be a leader on the ice, but be a big influence off the ice. He's done a really good job with a lot of our young players. Marco is a good person and understands the game and the demands of the game, so he's a really good example for young players coming in as far as how to train and how to take care of yourself away from the rink. He's a good professional and a good leader."

Sturm was limited to just 19 games last season due to concussion-like symptoms before undergoing season-ending knee surgery on Jan. 13. This year, he seems to be regaining his offensive edge -- recording goals in three of his last four games. He's totaled 12 goals and 20 points in 38 games this season and is tied for the team-lead with Zdeno Chara with a plus-9 rating.

"Because of his injury last season, he was off to a slow start," Julien said. "But he's starting to come around and skating much better. He's more confident and when Marco is like that, he's a very good player for us. What he brings to our team is definitely speed on the wing and speed is dangerous for opposing teams. We like the fact that he brings that. When he's skating at his best, he's a very good hockey player."

--Mike G. Morreale

Rise and shine
12.30.2009 / 2 p.m. ET

Boston Bruins forward David Krejci lost 15 minutes of sleep Wednesday morning for all the right reasons.

"My mom called me at 8 o'clock to tell me I had made the Czech Republic roster for the Olympics so that was a nice surprise," Krejci confirmed. "I had my alarm set for 8:15 -- hey, I need my rest, but it was nice."

Krecji, 21, will be making his Olympic debut at the 2010 Games in Vancouver. He's ecstatic to have an opportunity to play alongside his childhood hero, Jaromir Jagr. Jagr, who now plays for Avangard Omsk in the KHL, starred in the NHL from 1990 to 2008.

"I'll never forget watching the Czech win gold in Nagano in '98 and winning a bronze the last Olympics," Krecji said. "Obviously, the biggest name in the Czech Republic is Jagr and it'll be pretty cool to be playing with him."

Krecji admitted it was tough not to ignore the possibility of his making the National Team roster.

"I'm not going to lie," Krejci said. "It was obviously on my mind because everywhere I go, people want to talk about it. I tried not to talk about it so much. But it is once every four years and it's a big opportunity -- I couldn't ignore it. I tried to put it on the side and just focus on my job."

Krejci (7 goals, 19 points) is hoping to snap out of a five-game pointless slump against the Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday at TD Garden. The game is the last regular-season match for the Bruins before the 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Day against the Flyers at Fenway Park in Boston.

Boston coach Claude Julien wasn't aware of Krejci's Olympic selection until notified by NHL.com.

"We knew he was a possibility but he'll tell you he wants to get better than he has been this year," Julien said. "We know what he's capable of doing and once he finds his real groove. When he moves his feet, he's such a better player. When he doesn't, he becomes too predictable. But I'm really glad for him -- he deserves it."

--Mike G. Morreale

Kubina, Pavelec react to Olympic selections
12.30.2009 / 1:06 PM ET

The Atlanta Thrashers will be shipping two more players to Vancouver in February following Wednesday's announcement that defenseman Pavel Kubina and goalie Ondrej Pavelec will be joining the Czech Republic in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Earlier in the week, captain and leading scorer Ilya Kovalchuk was named to Team Russia while defenseman Tobias Enstrom was slotted along the blue line for Sweden, the defending Olympic champion.

Kubina, 32, will be making his third straight Olympic appearance. He notched one assist in four games in 2002 in Salt Lake City and had a goal and one assist in 2006 in Turin. Kubina was acquired by general manager Don Waddell in a trade with Toronto in July.

"This is my third one and it's always a good time," Kubina told NHL.com. "I remember four years ago, even eight years ago, I go and it was so much fun. You play top players for the other countries and especially staying in the village and see other athletes from all over the world and it's so much and an honor to play for the Czech."

Pavelec, 22, is in his third season with Atlanta and has filled in admirably for the injured Kari Lehtonen, who hasn't played one game this season. The Kladno native, who has gone 1-5-0 in his last 6 decisions, is 9-10-3 with a 3.42 goals-against average and .906 save percentage this season.

"Last couple of Olympics I was a little kid and now maybe I have a chanced to play and it's pretty unbelievable and I just found out this morning so it's new to me," Pavelec said. "I found out via a press conference at 6 o'clock in the morning our time and I just wake up 9:30 and I just saw 15 messages on my cell phone so my friends called me to congratulate me."

Kubina is happy to be joined by Pavelec.

"First time I met him was in training camp; I never met him before," Kubina said. "He's a great guy and he's been playing well for us and it's going to be so much fun for him. The first one you never forget and he also deserves to be on the team."

--Mike G. Morreale

Crosby speaks
12.30.2009 / 12:54 PM ET

Sidney Crosby spoke via satellite from New Jersey during the Olympic announcement broadcast.

"It's a pretty special honor and something that has been talked about for a while. I'm honored," Crosby said.

Crosby, fresh off a Stanley Cup win, knew he would be part of the team before Wednesday's announcement, but he admitted that he was curious as to who his teammates would be -- especially up front.

"There is so much debate all the time, especially when you talk about Team Canada  and all the great players they have," Crosby said.

In fact, many believe that Patrice Bergeron, who wasn't even at this summer's Orientation Camp in Calgary, made the team in part because of the chemistry he has shared with Crosby at both the World Junior Championships and World Championships.

But, Wednesday, Crosby said he did not care about potential linemates with the Olympics still a month and a half away.

"Whoever you play with this group of players, it is going to be pretty awesome," said Crosby, who played with Iginla and Nash at the Orientation Camp. "There is so much talent, making lines should be pretty easy."

--Shawn P. Roarke

Canada names forwards
12.30.2009 / 12:45 PM ET

As expected, Canada has an embarrassment of riches up front, even with the surprise inclusions of Boston's Patrice Bergeron, who wasn't even invited to Team Canada's summer training camp, and Carolina's Eric Staal.

Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and Calgary's Jarome Iginla wer named the team's final alternate captains.

San Jose placed its whole top line -- Dany Heatley, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau -- made the team. Anaheim teammates Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, who started playing together at the World Junior Championships, are now Olympians together. 

The other four forwards are Dallas Stars' Brenden Morrow, Rick Nash of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Philadelphia's Mike Richards and Chicago's Jonathon Toews.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Canada names defensemen
12.30.2009 / 12:28 PM ET

There were a few surprises in the selection of the seven defensemen.

Youngster Drew Doughty, from the Kings, made the team despite being just 20 and having just two years of NHL experience. Brent Seabrook of the Chicago Blackhawks was also a long shot to make the team, but he was named Wednesday.

Those two players were joined by five more established players on the blue line.

Anaheim's Scott Niedermayer, who has won at every level of international play, was named the team's captain. Philadelphia's Chris Pronger, who played with Niedermayer in Anaheim until this summer's trade to the Flyers, was named alternate captain.

San Jose's puck-moving Dan Boyle, Chicago's Duncan Keith and Nashville's Shea Weber are the other three defensemen on the roster.

Several strong candidates were left out in the cold Wednesday, including Calgary bruiser Dion Phaneuf, Washington's point-producer Mike Green and smooth-skating Jay Bouwmeester of Calgary.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Canada names goalies
12.30.2009 / 12:18 PM ET

We're underway. Team Canada is ready to announce its Olympic roster and the media gathered at the Absolute Club here at Fenway Park is paying rapt attention -- as is much of Canada.

Three thousand fans are in the Hockey Canada studio in Saskatoon and the broadcast is certainly on in virtually every dressing room across the NHL. Canada coach Mike Babcock got a rousing ovation when introduced as he is a Saskatoon native.

"This is a day to celebrate for all Canadians. This will be a team that we can all be proud of," said Ken Corbett, chairman of Hockey Canada's Chairman of the Board.

"We're very pleased with what we have come up with and what we are about to introduce to you," Steve Yzerman, the Team Canada GM said before announcing the goalies.

In no surprise, Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils, Pittsburgh's Marc-Andre Fleury and Vancouver's Roberto Luongo were the three goalies named to the team.

"I'm looking forward to some more great times coming up," Luongo said during the broadcast. "I think in a situation like this, we all have to put our egos aside and help Canada win gold."

Defensemen are next.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Slovakia welcomes Satan back
12.29.2009 / 9:40 AM ET

The lack of a team did not stop former NHL player Miroslav Satan from getting one step closer to representing Slovakia in a fourth Olympics.

Satan was announced Tuesday as one of the 23 players named to Slovakia's preliminary roster. The roster can be amended until final rosters are submitted to the IIHF on Feb. 15, but barring unforeseen circumstances, it looks like Satan will be among the forwards at Jan Filc's disposal.

Satan is part of an experienced core that will lead Slovakia to Vancouver. He is joined by five players -- Edmonton Oilers defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky, former NHL forward Lubos Bartecko, Vancouver forward Pavol Demitra, Chicago forward Marian Hossa and former NHL player Jozef Stümpel, who is now playing in the Kontinental Hockey League.

A dozen members of the Slovak roster hail From the National Hockey League. In fact, Colorado forward Marek Svatos, who is struggling mightily this season, and Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Boris Valabik are the only glaring omissions from those playing in North America.

Eight more players hail from the KHL and only one, Zigmund Palffy, plays in the Slovakian domestic league. Palffy, a former NHL player as well, plays for HK 36 Skalica -- his hometown team -- and leads the league in scoring.

The team's two NHL-based goalies -- Colorado's Petr Budaj and Montreal's Jaroslav Halak, will likely spend the month of January fighting for the No. 1 job at the Olympics.

-- Shawn P. Roarke

Tollefson named to Norwegian team
12.29.2009 / 9:35 AM ET

Norway announced its Olympic roster on Tuesday and, not surprisingly, Philadelphia defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen is the only North American player on the roster.

Eleven players from the Norwegian roster are based in Sweden, while three play in Germany. Former NHL player Patrick Thoresen is the only player on the Norwegian roster playing in the Kontinental Hockey League. Thorsen's father, Petter, represented Norway in five Olympics from 1980 to 1994.

Here is the roster:

Goalies: Pål Grotnes, Stjernen; Andre Lysenstøen, Haki (FIN); Ruben Smith, Storhamar.

Defensemen: Alexander Bonsaksen, Modo (SWE); Jonas Holøs, Färjestad (SWE); Tommy Jakobsen, Lørenskog; Juha Kaunismäki, Stavanger Oilers; Lars Erik Lund, Vålerenga; Ole-Kristian Tollefsen, Philadelphia Flyers; Mats Trygg, Kölner Haie (GER)

Forwards: Morten Ask, Thomas Sabo Tigers (GER); Anders Bastiansen, Färjestad (SWE); Kristian Forsberg, Modo (SWE); Mads Hansen, Brynäs (SWE); Marius Holtet, Färjestad (SWE); Lars Erik Spets, Vålerenga; Mathis Olimb, Frölunda (SWE); Martin Røymark, Frölunda (SWE); Per-Åge Skrøder, Modo (SWE); Patrick Thoresen, Ufa Salavat (RUS); Tore Vikingstad, Hannover Scorpions (GER); Martin Laumann, Ylven Linlöping (SWE); Mats Zuccarello, Aasen Modo (SWE).

--Shawn P. Roarke

Latvia announces Olympic roster
12.29.2009 / 9:30 AM ET

Unlike most Olympic teams, there will not be much of a feeling out process for the Latvians at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

Fourteen of the 23 players named Tuesday to Latvia's provisional roster hail from one club, Dinamo Riga of the Kontinental Hockey League. Plus, the team's head coach, Olegs Znarkos coaches Riga.

There are three Latvian players in the NHL, but only two will play in the Olympics. Defensemen Karlis Skrastins, who plays for the Dallas Stars, and Oskars Bartulis, who plays for the Philadelphia Flyers, made the cut. Los Angeles Kings winger Raitis Ivanans was left off the roster.

Two AHL players also made the Latvian team. Martins Karsums, who plays for the Norfolk Admirals, and Binghamton Senator Kaspars Daugavins are among the dozen forwards named to the team.

Perhaps the most surprising inclusion to the roster is veteran goalie Sergejs Naumovs, who is not signed with a professional club and has not played in competitive matches all season.  In the end, though, Team Latvia management felt the experienced Naumovs was the best possible cover if starting goalie Edgars Masalskis suffered an injury.

-- Shawn P. Roarke

Opponents now, teammates later
12.28.2009 / 6:30 PM ET

Somewhere, somehow, Russia Olympic GM Vladislav Tretiak is probably planning on watching Monday's contest between the Coyotes and Sharks at San Jose. Two of his three hand-picked goalies, Ilya Bryzgalov (22-10-2, 2.02 GAA, .916 SVP) and Evgeni Nabokov (20-5-7, 2.32 GAA, .925 SVP), respectively, are expected to be in net for the showdown of the two top teams in the Pacific Division.

Among all goalies in the League, Bryzgalov is fourth in goals-against average, tied for second in wins, tied for third in save percentage and first in shutouts (5). Nabokov is ninth in GAA, tied for fifth in wins, tied for fifth in save percentage, and has 2 shutouts.

At the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy, Bryzgalov made one appearance (0-1-0, 5.00 GAA) and Nabokov seven (4-2-0, 3 SO, 1.34 GAA).

--Rocky Bonanno

Harsh words from Samuelsson
12.28.2009 / 12:03 PM ET

Mikael Samuelsson is not happy with his snub from the Swedish Olympic team.

Samuelsson, who has 10 goals and 14 assists this season, has more points than three other NHL forwards selected to the team, including Fred Modin, who has just 1 assist in eight games after battling injury for much of the season.

"Probably going to get in trouble for this, but they can go (expletive deleted) themselves," is what Samuelsson said, according to several reports.

While it is nice to see Samuelsson show some emotion after being left off the team, it might have been an ill-timed outburst.

Sweden named four players to the roster that are battling health problems and could be looking for injury replacements come February. Certainly, Samuelsson's public displeasure with the Swedish federation will not help his candidacy.

Speaking of injured Swedish players, it seems Peter Forsberg is good to go. At least that is the stance of Bengt-Ake Gustafsson, the Swedish coach.

"I have been in contact with 'Foppa' and there shouldn't be any problems with the injury," Gustafsson told Aftonbladt.

Forsberg, who is playing for Modo in the Swedish Elite League, left the NHL because of chronic foot problems. He is attempting a comeback this year with his hometown club and has 8 goals and 15 points in just nine games.

Well, Daniel Alfredsson was named to the Swedish Olympic team, as expected.

Alfredsson update
12.27.2009 / 5:14 PM ET

There was some speculation that Alfredsson wouldn't make the team after separating his shoulder early this week, an injury that will keep him out for four-to-six weeks -- or essentially right before the start of the Olympic tournament in mid-February.

But, Team Sweden management did name Alfredsson -- and three other injured players -- to the provisional 23-man roster. Any of those injured players can be replaced until Feb. 15, which is the date on which the official rosters are submitted to the IIHF. No roster moves, for any reason, can be made after that day.

NHL.com correspondent Todd Kimeberley also has an interesting take on the Sedin twins -- Henrik and Daniel -- who will have a big role on this Swedish team. You can check it out here.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Alfredsson's Olympic status up in air
12.27.2009 / 8:30 AM ET

Sweden will announce its Olympic roster a little later Sunday and it will be interesting to see if Daniel Alfredsson is on the team.

Under normal circumstances, the Ottawa Senators star would be a no-brainer. But, he may not be available for the tournament after separating his left shoulder, an injury announced by the Senators on Saturday afternoon.

The club ruled hIm out four-to-six weeks, which would put him right up against the start of the Olympic tournament in mid-February, so his availability could be up in the air until the very last minute.

The Swedes most likely will name Alfredsson to the 23-man roster and follow his recovery closely with the knowledge that they can name an injury replacement at any time until the day before the tournament, when binding rosters must be turned in to the IIHF. No injury replacements can be made during the tournament.

Alfredsson has always been a quick healer, so he has that in his favor. Plus, he is indispensible to the Swedish team, where he is among the club's best two-way forwards.

Last season, Alfredsson missed just one game after minor knee surgery. Later in the season, he suffered a hairline fracture of his jaw and again just missed one game.

"I saw Alfie at the rink yesterday and he said he slept well," Cory Clouston, the Ottawa coach, told the team's Web site. "I've had shoulder separations before and sometimes it's tough to get some sleep. They've got him in a sling to put some pressure on it to make sure it's stabilized. He said it feels much better."

--Shawn P. Roarke

Windy City musings
12.23.2009 / 4:15 PM ET

The GM's of medal contenders the U.S. and Canada had interesting quotes in Wednesday's edition of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Canada's Steve Yzerman is said to be considering Blackhawks Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook for his squad, but also saw first-hand the American talents Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien.

"I don't think people understand how much talent around the league is in the good, young U.S. players," said Yzerman. "In a tournament like this, they have every bit as much talent as any country. I consider them every bit as much a threat."

Also at Tuesday's game at the United Center was U.S. GM Brian Burke, said to be scouting San Jose center Joe Pavelski.

"If we go with the 20 best American players, we will be very young and very small," said Burke. "We need to have some size in the bottom six [forwards]. That's how my teams are put together, anyway.

"We can't take the 20 best players. Canada and Russia can do that ... There may be American players with higher point totals, but we're going to take some specialists."

--Rocky Bonanno

International wrap-up
12.23.2009 / 1:30 PM ET

As a myriad of NHL players await the announcements of Olympic rosters by their respective national federations, many more hopefuls were competing in the Channel One Cup, the third leg in the Euro Hockey Tour, in Moscow last weekend.

Finland won the Channel One Cup (formerly the Izvestija Tournament), finishing ahead of Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic. After a 2-1 overtime loss against the Czechs, Finland rebounded to defeat Russia, 3-2, and Sweden, 4-3 in a shootout.

It was the last major tournament for four of the major contenders for the gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Outstanding performances were recorded by Sweden’s Mattias Weinhandl (4 goals), Finnish veteran Ville Peltonen (3-1-4), and Czech’s Petr Cajanek (3-2-5) and Jaromir Jagr (1-4-5).

Other international contests that served as Olympic tune-ups were staged last week in Slovakia, where the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation was celebrating its 80th anniversary. Slovakia defeated Belarus, 4-2, but suffered a 3-2 loss to Switzerland and a 3-2 shootout loss against the Czech Republic.

The exhibitions marked the international comeback of Zigmund Palffy, who scored 2 goals and an assist in three games while playing on a line with former NHLers Jozef Stumpel and Richard Zednik.

For the Belarusians, they were playing their first games under the direction of new coach Mikhail Zakharov.

In Riga, the host nation Latvia scored two victories against Denmark, 5-3 and 1-0.

France and Norway split a two-game series. In Strasbourg, France earned a 3-1 victory and in Mulhouse, the Norwegians responded with a 2-1 win. Of the two nations, only Norway has qualified for the Vancouver Games.

--Rocky Bonanno

Done talking
12.23.2009 / 1:30 PM ET

Flames goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff, the odds-on favorite to be Finland’s starter in Vancouver, has answered an awful lot of Olympic questions of late, the aftermath of the mini firestorm he created last month with his declaration that he’d rather sit home if he isn’t the starter for the Games.

In Tuesday’s Calgary Herald, Kiprusoff said he’s cutting off the Olympic media fodder. “I said something a couple of months ago and it was a huge story, so I’m done talking,” he said. “Let’s see what’s going to happen.

“If they pick me, they pick me . . . let’s talk about it then.”

Kiprusoff declined invitations to play for Finland at the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics, but he wasn’t the megastar then that he is today.

Before cutting off the Olympic talk for good, Kiprusoff did handicap the field.

“Every team can surprise if they’re hot at the right time. I think many countries will have a chance to win it,” Kiprusoff said. “Canada, Russia, Sweden are probably the biggest favorites but Finland will have a chance to surprise everybody.”

Finland’s roster will be announced December 30.

--Rocky Bonanno

Brodeur intently waiting
12.22.2009 / 2:06 PM ET

It wouldn't be wrong of Martin Brodeur if he didn't take much interest in Hockey Canada's highly anticipated announcement of the Canadian Men's Olympic team on Dec. 30.

The Devils goalie won't say it, but he knows he's a lock to be on the team and since he's got a game that night against Pittsburgh, he'll have other things on his mind.

Brodeur, though, told NHL.com Tuesday morning that he is indeed very interested and is very much looking forward to seeing who will join him in Vancouver.

"I have said it all along, the Olympics for me are something I take a lot of pride in, winning a gold medal for my country," he said. "This is just the start of  something when that team is named, so yes, I'll take interest. I'll also take interest in other teams. It's part of your preparation."

Brodeur wouldn't be shocked if the Olympic tournament was low scoring just because of the uber-talented goalies that will be playing.

"People make a big deal about the Canadian goalies, but look around at every country," he said. "For Sweden, Lundqvist and Gustavsson are solid. For Finland, Kipper, Backstrom and Pekka Rinne; that's solid. For Russia, you have Bryzgalov and Nabokov and Khabibulin is back. For the U.S., you've got Ryan Miller and Tim Thomas.

"Every country has unbelievable goalies. It'll be hard to score, but on that small ice everything will be fast."

-- Dan Rosen

Differing Olympic dreams for Pens
12.17.2009 / 2:25 PM ET

Sidney Crosby and Alex Goligoski share a locker room but sit on opposite sides of the Olympic spectrum.

Crosby, obviously is a lock to make Canada's team. Goligoski, on the other hand, has a shot at a spot on the U.S. team, but is miles away from being a sure thing.

I talked to both this morning, but to me Goligoski is a more interesting subject with him being on the fence. However, he said he isn't waiting around for a phone call from Team USA boss Brian Burke.

"There's so many guys, who knows which way it'll go," he told NHL.com. "It would definitely be a cool thing."

Steve Yzerman has said everyone he's met has given him their version of Canada's Olympic roster, so I asked Crosby to take his stab at it. Crosby, ever wily one, deftly avoided the question, saying he only hoped he would be on the only list that mattered -- Yzerman's.

Yeah, like that's even an issue.

You can read all about Crosby and his Olympic hopes here on NHL.com.

-- Adam Kimelman

Langenbrunner eyes Olympic spot
12.16.2009 / 3:25 PM ET

New Jersey Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner wasn't about to hide his emotions when asked if being a part of the American team headed to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver wasn't on his mind right about now.

The Devils are in the midst of their best start in franchise history and are jockeying for position among the Eastern Conference leaders. Still, Langenbrunner knows Team USA general manager Brian Burke and his staff will have some difficult decisions to make prior to announcing the team at the 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic in Boston on Jan. 1.

"It's definitely something I want to be a part of and hope to be a part of," Langenbrunner said. "Am I anxious? Yeah, I'm not going to lie. I'm counting down the days a little bit until we have a decision and I'll move on from there.

"It's just exciting to be mentioned in the mix and I haven't gone (to the Winter Olympics) the last couple of times so it's been 12 years now. It was a great experience but I'd definitely like a retry at it. I'm excited to maybe get that opportunity."

Langenbrunner was one of a few veteran players invited to Team USA's orientation camp in Chicago over the summer.

--Mike G. Morreale

Germany's "Biggest Loser" could be Olympic candidate
12.15.2009 / 1:04 PM ET

NHL.com correspondent Bill Meltzer has a good read on Thomas Greilinger, the leading scorer in Germany's top national league.

Greilinger was a teen prodigy in Germany, reaching the DEL as an 18 year old. He was considered the future of the German national team, but his career was derailed at 23 by a serious knee injury, and the resultant weight issues that followed.

His career was all but over as his weight ballooned past 270 pounds, but suddenly Greilinger realized he did not want to leave the game behind. He has lost more than 70 pounds and is the leading scorer in the DEL.

Now, there is talk that Greilinger, 28, could make the German Olympic team, which will be announced Dec. 30. He played in the Duetschland Cup in November and was good enough to impress Uwe Krupp, the national team coach.

Greilinger could be an important piece to a German team that has consistently struggled to score at the highest international levels.

You can check out Meltzer's Across the Pond feature on Greilinger here.

--Shawn P. Roarke

Till we meet again
12.8.2009 / 6:10 PM ET

There is little doubt that Buffalo's Ryan Miller is the front-runner for the starting job as the United States goaltender at the Winter Olympics. The numbers speak for themselves as he currently leads the NHL with a 1.90 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage, and is two wins behind League-leader Martin Brodeur of New Jersey. But look who else is endorsing Miller, none other than Brodeur himself.

"I don't think there's a doubt in my mind how he's become the top goalie for the U.S.," Brodeur told the New York Post before spinning a 3-0 shutout against the Sabres on Monday. Miller made 34 saves in the loss.

Brodeur, who won the gold medal in 2002, is likely to be Canada's starting netminder and could meet Miller again when the U.S. and Canada square off in the preliminary round on Feb. 21 in Vancouver.

"It's a short tournament," Brodeur told the paper. "(Miller's) got that demeanor, that way of playing the game. He never beats himself. He'll be good for them."

--Rocky Bonanno