Snap Shots

Game Day

Three Stars

Well Said

Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic is the franchise's all-time leader in goals, assists and points has now won the MVP of the NHL's regular season (Hart Trophy), playoffs (Conn Smythe Trophy) and an Olympic gold medal.

Sakic is one of the greats

This must be what it was like to watch Joe DiMaggio: Joe Sakic goes out every game and quietly, modestly plays at the highest possible level. He gets clutch goals: first goal of the game, tying goals, winning goals, break-your-spirit goals. He hits hard, skates fast and cuts sharp.

When DiMaggio homered, he put his head down and quietly, quickly trotted the bases. When Sakic scores, he bites his lip and heads for the faceoff circle.

Sakic scored twice yesterday and had two assists to be named the Best Forward and Most Valuable Player of the 2002 Winter Olympics ice hockey tournament. His gold medal will go nicely with his two Stanley Cups, a world junior championship and a world championship.

The Colorado Avalanche's captain since 1992 and the franchise's all-time leader in goals, assists and points has now won the MVP of the NHL's regular season (Hart Trophy), playoffs (Conn Smythe Trophy) and the Olympics. Wherever he goes in hockey, Joe Sakic is recognized as the best.

What's left for such an accomplished player?

"Another Stanley Cup for our team this year," said the reigning Lady Byng Trophy (for gentlemanly play) winner.

After Avalanche teammate Peter Forsberg scored the winning goal at the 1994 Olympics -- Sweden minted a stamp with his likeness -- he kept up a line of teasing on Sakic, who takes the guff with his customary patience.

Olympics Today Snap Shots is a round-up of news and views from media outlets across North America and is published every weekday. The opinions expressed in Snap Shots are not necessarily those of the NHL. Compiled by John McGourty Monday, Feb. 25, 2002

2002 Olympics coverage

"Peter did rub it in on us, so it's nice to catch up with him," said Sakic, who was born and raised near Vancouver, British Columbia, but has lived in Denver since 1995. "No stamp for me."

However, Sakic did appear on the cover of the Denver telephone book.

Sakic is a first-generation Canadian. His father immigrated from Croatia. He has a deep appreciation for the opportunity he's been given.

"I know what this means to our country. As a kid you dream of winning the Stanley Cup. As you get older you understand the importance of winning the Olympics," he said. "It's a great day for Canada, but we won't be able to see what happens because most of us are going back to our (NHL) teams."

The Americans were high in their praise for Sakic.

Canada "won as a team, but sometimes it takes one individual," U.S. captain Chris Chelios said. "Joe Sakic really stepped it up. There are guys on both teams that know what it takes to win, and he's one of them. He had a heck of a game, right from the start. When you're a goal-scorer, the puck seems to find its way to the net. That's what it did for Joe. I tip my hat to him."

U.S. coach Herb Brooks said it's hard to appreciate everything that Sakic does because he's subtle and does so much.

"Sakic has such a great feel for the game. His intangibles are more important than his physical tangibles," Brooks said.

"You've got to honor his shot," American goalie Mike Richter said. "You've got to honor him. On the breakaway I was hoping he would shoot low on the long side. He has an incredible release, great hands. I was ready. He just beat me."

Women's revenge is sweet
-- Eric Duhatscheck, The Globe and Mail, Feb. 25, 2002

Americans pleased with silver  |  Around the Games