Quinn will probably rest Sundin

By ROD CHARLES -- SLAM! Sports TORONTO --Nearly a hundred per cent.
That's how sure Pat Quinn is that Mats Sundin will sit out Saturday's game against the Calgary Flames.
Sundin's right ankle was fractured when he blocked a shot against the Senators in Ottawa on Oct. 9. It was thought he would be out as long as eight weeks but he has made a remarkable recovery, and there were rumblings that the Leafs captain might be back in time to face the Flames. But coach Quinn put the breaks on those rumours at practice today.
"I haven't spoken to Mats yet and I really can't comment or guess until I've spoken to him," said Quinn. "But yes, I am pretty sure, 99 3/4 percent sure that he won't be in the lineup against Calgary.
"It's just not worth the risk," said Quinn, who added that Sundin is a guy who would play hurt and that is one reason why he wants to speak to his captain first and make an informed decision.
"There are some guys who will give you and an honest answer (about their health) and there are some pros who will play no matter what. So I will talk to him and then evaluate the situation."
Quinn added that until he is sure Sundin is healthy, he would list him as day to day. But the coach didn't have to worry about his captain being on a different wavelength. Sundin, as well as many of his teammates, were erring on the side of caution. And with the Toronto Maple Leafs sitting first overall, there really isn't any need to rush things.
"I would love to play, but this was my first practice with the guys since the injury and I don't want to risk anything," said Sundin. "The foot is totally healed but there is a little bit of a lack of strength down there. But other than that I am really happy with it."
Toronto goaltender Curtis Joseph said the team is happy to hear how well Sundin's progress has been and thinks it will provide quite a boost to a team that is playing very well. But he says the team needs to keep their focus on their next opponent.
"We would rather he took his time and not rushed it," said Joseph, who has watched his team go 3-1 since losing to Carolina on Oct. 16. The Flames (3-7-2) may not be an elite team but they are coming off a confidence building 4 - 3 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators, who were previously unbeaten at home.
Joseph added that they are a hard working and confident team who will be looking to build on their success and should not be taken lightly.

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