Patches reminder of fallen teammates

Several teams will wear patches this season in honor of teammates who have fallen upon hard times.

In Tampa Bay, the Lightning will wear a cloverleaf patch with the number 12 in the middle for LCS Hockey idol, and hero for all ages 8 to 80, Johnny Cullen. Cullen, who has cancer, is currently preparing for a bone marrow transplant. Just weeks ago Cullen had hoped to return to the Lightning lineup, but it turned out the radiation treatments he received did not get rid of all the cancer. The Lightning are keeping hope that Cully will still be able to one day return to the lineup. They are keeping his locker open in the dressing room, awaiting his return.

The Detroit Red Wings will also wear a patch to recognize the loss from the team of defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov. The two were seriously injured in a limo accident after a golf outing that was to celebrate the team's Stanley Cup. The patch has not yet been finalized, but will definitely feature an inspirational word, such as "Hope" or "Believe". The patch will more than likely also feature Konstantinov's No. 16 and Mnatsakanov's initials.

Courtnall close to finding a home?

The Arizona Republic is reporting that unrestricted free agent Russ Courtnall is interested in playing for either the Phoenix Coyotes or Vancouver Canucks this season. Courtnall told "friends" that there is a good chance he could sign with one of the teams this week.

However, Coyotes GM Bobby Smith said that although he has talked with Courtnall's agent, he doesn't think the speedy winger fits in well with his current team. Courtnall, 32, played for the New York Rangers last season.

Holding out for a hero.

>From the "Who Cares" Department, Bill Guerin, Vitali Yachmenev and Jeff Friesen are still no-shows.

Cleary coming along nicely

First, Chicago Blackhawk 1997 first-round pick Dan Cleary said he would beat the odds and make the final roster. Then he did it.

Now, Cleary, 18, has impressed the Hawks so much that they're considering putting him at left wing on the top line with Alexei Zhamnov and Tony Amonte more often. The trio started together during the season opener in Phoenix, but Cleary was scratched for the next game against San Jose. But considering the lack of success the team has had early in the year, head coach Craig Hartsburg is thinking of moving him up to the first line more often.

Cleary scored 32 goals and 80 points in 64 games last season in Belleville of the Ontario Hockey League.

Quote of the week

Pat Burns
Boston Bruins head coach

'The team has no identity right now. That's the problem. We're lacking in that part, we have to find ourselves an identity. We don't have one. This is Game 2, let's not go commit suicide somewhere. We'll wait until Game 4 for that.''

Blackhawks to retire Savard's number

The Chicago Blackhawks recently announced at a benefit luncheon that Denis Savard, who hung up the skates after last season, will have his number 18 retired by the organization on March 19 against the Montreal Canadiens.

The timing of the ceremony is fitting, since Savard spent three of his 17 years in the league in his hometown of Montreal. Savard began his career in Chicago in 1980 and ended it in the Windy City last season. "The Great Gazoo", as he's lovingly referred to around the offices of LCS Hockey, retired from the game as the holder of 16 Blackhawk records. Savard spent 12 and a half seasons with the Blackhawks in his career. He also saw action as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"Wow. I think this is unbelievable," Savard said. "To have my number up there with a Bobby Hull, a Stan Mikita, Glenn Hall and Tony Esposito is something I never thought I would see in my lifetime. It's definitely a highlight."

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