In The Crease

Despite all the trade speculation, there's a good chance the
Wings will not deal goalie Curtis Joseph. With starter Dominik
Hasek sidelined indefinitely because of sore groin muscles,
Detroit may have to keep Joseph, who had a 2.36 GAA in 11 games
through Sunday, as insurance. Even so, because Joseph has already
been paid almost half his $8 million 2003-04 salary, teams have
begun calling G.M. Ken Holland again to ask about Joseph's
availability.... The coach getting the most from the least talent
is the Kings' Andy Murray. With L.A.'s lineup decimated by
injuries, Murray has guided a team heavy on minor leaguers into
first place (16-11-3-3) in the Pacific.... How classy is former
Oilers center Mike Comrie, who was acquired by the Flyers last
week? After a much-publicized trade with the Ducks fell through
two weeks ago, Comrie called Anaheim G.M. Bryan Murray to thank
him for his interest. Then Comrie asked Murray for the phone
number of Ducks prospect Corey Perry, who was supposed to go to
Edmonton in that deal. Comrie told Perry that Anaheim was an
outstanding organization to play for.