Jimmy Howard's injury stirs Olympics talk around Ben Bishop

News that Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard re-injured his left knee Monday against the Blues -- the same knee that sidelined him for nearly three weeks earlier in the season -- and will be out at least a week stirred up speculation Lightning goalie Ben Bishop could be in line for an Olympic call-up if Howard is out any length of time.

Howard, Los Angeles' Jonathan Quick and Buffalo's Ryan Miller were named to the U.S. team. Bishop has said he was told by Panthers general manager Dale Tallon to be on standby in case of injuries. The Olympic hockey tournament in Sochi, Russia, begins Feb. 12.

"I haven't herd anything so, who knows?" Bishop said after Tuesday's practice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. "It's not a concern of mine. It wasn't before. It won't be now."

Bishop said he hasn't heard from anyone from USA Hockey, and Detroit general manager Ken Holland told reporters on Monday he considered Howard's injury minor.

"And who knows that the list is?" Bishop said. "There might be more guys in front of me. It's not anything for me to think about. We have a job to do here."

Bishop, 27, has been the Lightning's most valuable player. He is 24-6-4 with a 1.93 goals-against average that is tied for third in the league and a .935 save percentage that leads the league. New Jersey's Cory Schneider, who also likely is on a short list of potential call-ups for the U.S. team, is 7-9-7 with a 1.91 goals-against average that is second in the league and a .924 save percentage.

Bishop said being named to the Olympic team, if it happened, would be "special."

"But it has nothing to do with me right now," he said. "Who knows what's wrong with Jimmy. He might be back tomorrow. So, it's nothing for me to speculate or even waste time thinking about."