IT’S STARTING TO LOOK LIKE THE NHL NOW

A couple of ugly incidents occurred after the women’s hockey game between the U.S. and Canada, potentially intensifying their battle Tuesday for the gold medal.

After a 7-4 U.S. victory and a postgame handshake, Canada’s coach, Shannon Miller, charged that an American player made an improper comment on the ice about Canadian opponent Danielle Goyette’s father, who died just before the Olympics.

“When something is said about her father, that is uncalled for,” Miller told a Canadian TV reporter. “I was right there. She was bawling.”

After the game, Goyette had words with U.S. player Sandra Whyte, then was confronted by Whyte’s teammate, Shelley Looney. Miller approached U.S. captain Cammi Granato and spoke to her, after which Granato said: “I think she misinterpreted something. Our players would never say anything like that.”

Goyette did not give interviews after the game. She speaks French, and the American players believe Goyette misunderstood whatever was said.