In The Crease

The Canucks may be harting—defenseman Ed Jovanovs (torn ligaments in right shoulder) and Markus Nasiund (concussion), tied for second in the NHL with 68 points, were the latest to go on the shelf—but they still have right wing Mike Keane, who has been drawing raves through-out the league for his leadership. After a 6-2 loss at Minnesota last Thursday, Keane, who has played on three Stanley Cup champions, called a players-only meeting and fold his teammates to keep their composure. Though Vancouver lost again two days later, 4-3 in overtime to the Osiers, Keane ultimately help the Canucks overcome tough circumstances....

Players around the NHL were appalled by the way Canadians fans treated captain Saku Koivu last Thursday in a 4-1 win over the Hames. During practice the day before, a harmless shoving match between Koivu and teammate Mike Ribeiro, a native Montrealer and fan favorite, was captured on video and shown on Montreal sportscasts. Koivu, who bear cancer two years ago and is one of the hardest workers in the league, was booed in the Calgary game every time he touched the puck.