Lake Placid -In this historic Olympic town, site of one of America's proudest sports moments, dozens of American flags have replaced those of other countries from around the world in a moving show of patriotism.

At the Olympic Center, international flags along a row of poles that line the speed-skating oval were removed, with only the American flag left alone, flying at half-staff.

The Islanders, here since Monday for training camp, are more than 200 miles away from the nightmare in lower Manhattan. General manager Mike Milbury said there was early consideration to cancel Tuesday's practice, but instead the team took the ice. Since then, the Islanders have tried to focus on hockey while keeping the tragedy in the back of their minds.

"I was sitting there hearing [Mayor] Giuliani say what everyone says during situations like this, to continue to go about your business and show confidence in your government and the system," Milbury said. "Having said all that, the sense of perspective and how who wins and who loses a hockey game is not all that important. But it's what we do and we provide entertainment and an outlet for people to enjoy. And we'll get back to that as soon as we can."

Practice has been spirited, and there is an obvious feeling of anticipation. It has provided a distraction from the never-ending news reports and images of terror.

"When I'm here, I don't see a TV or listen to a radio," coach Peter Laviolette said. "I'm not in the loop. So it's kind of there, but it's not there. Then you go back to your room and you hear the stories of the day and you cry. I don't know what else to say. It's just a pit in your stomach. It just doesn't go away."

The NHL canceled its preseason games scheduled for this weekend. The Islanders are scheduled to open their exhibition season Thursday against the Devils at Continental Airlines Arena. The team, however, will be split up into two 20-man teams to play intrasquad scrimmages Saturday and Sunday, complete with NHL referees (if they can get here) and game uniforms.

General consensus among the team is that reality will hit home Wednesday, when the team travels back to Long Island.

"I don't think it's really sunk in yet," goalie Rick DiPietro said. "It's just crazy to think that the World Trade Center isn't standing anymore."

Notes & Quotes: The Islanders have contributed to the relief effort by donating packed ice to Long Island Blood Services . . . Center Dave Scatchard has been pulled out of practice because of a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot, which he injured last week during an on-ice workout. He is expected to miss at least a week . . . Defenseman Kenny Jonsson had a scare during Friday's scrimmage when he was hit in the side of the helmet with a deflected puck. Jonsson, who has a history of concussions, crumpled to the ice, but managed to leave the ice on his own and returned for practice afterward . . . Goalie Rick DiPietro has been exceptionally sharp over the past two days.

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