In The Crease

At a recent practice Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, 19, was
checked hard by wing Kristian Huselius, who is skilled but not
usually physical. Bouwmeester took exception and smashed Huselius
in the face with a forearm. Afterward, Bouwmeester chastised
Huselius, saying that if he isn't going to hit the opposition in
games he shouldn't hit teammates in practice.... Sharks sniper
Teemu Selanne was not moved at the deadline in part because his
$6.5 million contract for next season has a player option. Clubs
were concerned about acquiring Selanne at a big price and having
him walk away at season's end.... Forget about forward Mikko
Koivu, 20, the Wild's first-round pick in June 2001, playing in
the NHL next season. Mikko, the brother of the Canadiens' Saku,
is expected to join the army and continue playing for TPS Turku
of the Finnish Elite League.