IN THE CREASE

NO SURPRISE: Mike Keenan's conduct during his last team meetingindicates he knew he was not coming back to coach the Boston Bruins,insiders told the Boston Globe. The Bruins didn't exercise theiroption on Keenan's contract for next season.

"It sounded like a farewell speech," the Globe's source said. "Allhe did was shake guys' hands and say, `Thank you.' "

Even the Bruins' 7-2-1-1 run at the end of the season, which hadthe team flirting with a playoff berth up to the final weekend,wasn't enough to compensate for Keenan's contentious nature.

The Globe reported that Keenan clashed with the team's trainingstaff and continued to coach with his trademark tactics ofconfrontation and intimidation.

ROENICK RUMBLINGS: Jeremy Roenick, who is eligible to become anunrestricted free agent July 1, said he wants to sign a long-termextension to stay with the Phoenix Coyotes. But he told the ArizonaRepublic the lure of the open market is appealing.

"If it goes to July 1, it doesn't mean that I've given up ontrying to re-sign (with the Coyotes)," Roenick said. "I'm going togive them every opportunity. July 1 is going to be a very interestingday, but I think we'll have a lot of talks in the next few months. Idon't think it is going to happen fast."

The Coyotes reportedly have offered Roenick a five-year, $30million extension, but he might be able to get more from a team inbetter financial shape. Roenick, though, said money is not themotivating factor for him.

"The only thing I play for right now is the Stanley Cup," Roenicksaid. "I've done a lot of things in this league. I've been here for13 years now. But the Cup is very important to me. I'm going to weigha lot of options."

NO COMMENT: St. Louis Blues goalie Roman Turek told the media hedidn't want to talk about his playoff flop last April, when the top-seeded Blues were upset by the eighth-seeded San Jose Sharks in thefirst round. Coincidentally, the teams are squaring off in theopening round this season, too.

"I talked about it right after the playoffs last year, so I don'tknow why I have to talk about it now," said Turek, who had a 1.95goals-against average in the 1999-2000 regular season before blowingup to 2.75 in the playoffs.