SPECIAL BOND
ANAHEIM -- Mike Komisarek spent Sunday night dining at the home of his buddy Saku Koivu.
Isn't that rubbing elbows with the enemy?
Perhaps. But in this case, Komisarek has a special relationship with Koivu, one that goes far beyond their playing days together with the Montreal Canadiens.
When Komisarek's mother was battling pancreatic cancer several years ago, it was Koivu who gave his friend a shoulder to lean on. Having gone through his own fight with the disease, Koivu knew what a difficult time lay ahead.
"He's an inspiration," Komisarek said. "He's someone who spoke to my mom on the phone when she was sick all the time. A little thing like that gives a lot of people hope.
"It's amazing when you see what he's been through, his battle with cancer and all, and how much he's given back to the community of Montreal."
Both Komisarek and Koivu were victims of Bob Gainey's off-season housecleaning in Montreal. In the end, Komisarek ended up in Toronto, and Koivu in Anaheim.
"He was someone I looked up to, tried to learn from in Montreal," Komisarek said. "He's a tremendous leader. People talk about what kind of world class leader he is but, as an individual, you won't meet a classier person."
STARS COME OUT
As part of the Hockey Fights Cancer Campaign, the cast of the hit TV series Cold Case dropped the ceremonial opening faceoff prior to last night's game between the Ducks and Leafs.
