Friday, February 15, 2002
Joseph is coach's pick
By AL STRACHAN -- Toronto Sun
SALT LAKE CITY -- Team Canada coach Pat Quinn finally has confirmed that his starting goaltender in tonight's game against Sweden will be Curtis Joseph.
And by making it clear that Joseph will play two of the first three games, he also has confirmed that Joseph has the inside track to be the starter when the tournament moves on to the games that matter.
Joseph insisted that the decision came as a surprise. "I didn't know at all," he said. "I prepared myself either way."
Quinn said he is still undecided about the starter in the following two games.
"The rotation is still being considered," he said. "It's very likely we will go to another goalie Sunday, but that's still being considered.
The problem facing Quinn is that Canada's opponent on Sunday is Germany, and on Monday, it's the Czech Republic. If the goalies alternate, Martin Brodeur will face the Germans, not particularly demanding opposition, thereby making the coaches' evaluation difficult.
"There are a couple of scenarios to look at and one would be to have Curtis play two and come with Martin for the third one," Quinn said. "We still are watching. We want to see the way our players might respond to the best.
"We certainly aren't underestimating any opposition in this thing, but we want to give a good test to the guys.
"That's just what we've been playing with, but it's very likely we're going to go 1-1-1 then see who goes after that."
Brodeur said he has no problems with the decision.
"We're starting off this way and that's fine with me," he said. "This isn't going to be like 1998. I know I'm going to get a chance to play here and I'm not going to be disappointed.
"It wouldn't be good for me and it wouldn't be good for Team Canada if I acted that way."
It's clear that whichever goalie gets the nod, he'll have the support of the other. Joseph and Brodeur get along well, each finding the other friendly and easy going.
"We talk about hockey for sure -- equipment, goalie stuff that sort of thing," Joseph said.
Supposing Brodeur were to get the start in a medal-round game against Sweden, would Joseph give him some insight about people such as Mats Sundin and Mikael Renberg, who are Joseph's teammates on the Maple Leafs?
"I would help him for sure," Joseph said. "And if it happens that we play New Jersey in the playoffs, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
Any advice has to be given delicately. As a pro, you can't just walk up to a another goaltender and tell him what to do.
"I wouldn't tell him how to play at all," Joseph said. "Just like with my partner at home, I would say, 'This is what I'd be thinking when he comes down. He has beat me here before,' or maybe, `This is what to keep in mind.' "
And Brodeur would do the same.
2002 Games Men's Hockey Coverage
