11.   The Devils had an optional practice yesterday and only a handful of players took to the ice.

12.   When the optional practice ended, Brodeur was the last one off the ice.

13.   Although Blake did not take part in an optional practice on Sunday morning, Hartley stuck by his story.

14.   Belfour left the team in Boston on Saturday, flying back to Dallas after arguing with coach Ken Hitchcock over participation in an optional pregame practice.

15.   Before the Devils stepped on the ice for an optional practice at the South Mountain Arena, Robinson let the team know where it stood.

16.   He participated in an optional practice with the Leafs on Sunday.

17.   Meanwhile, the Penguins held an optional practice Wednesday and Lemieux did not attend.

18.   On a sticky, humid afternoon at Camden Yards last week, optional batting practice seemed like a very bad idea.

19.   So rather than attend an optional practice Monday, the Mailman went hunting.