On the all-time scale of excuses for poor performances, this is pretty lame.


(Finland’s semi-finals bound Teemu Selanne sneers at loser Mike, “….and you still work for Tom Hicks”)

No less an expert than Don Cherry (cue monumenal coughing fit), however, was on Jim Rome’s radio show earlier today and suggested that Peter Laviolette decision to bench Mike Modano in the third period yesterday was “humiliating” and not at all justified given Modano’s years of service to Team USA. Presumably, Tommy Lasorda got sick of waiting on hold.

Cherry also said that no less an icon than Bobby Orr was “a big fan” of Rome’s. “He really liked that thing with you and the football player,” chortled Cherry.

Unless Rome’s had his ass kicked by another football player, I’m assuming the former Bruins coach meant Jim “Don’t Call Me Chrissie” Everett.

Vancouver GM Dave Nonis is pissed that Finland’s hockey authorities have been less than forthcoming about the extent of D Sami Salo’s shoulder injury. Salo’s healthy teammates will take on Russia in the Olympic semi-final tomorrow at 1pm EST. Prior to that, Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka will take aim at Rangers teammate Henrik Lundqvist, as the Czech Republic battle Sweden for the other spot in the final.