Bruins can't hack it this time

Chicago bears down, ends Boston's streak

[ Game summary ]

By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Globe Staff, 1/31/2003

oaltender Jeff Hackett knew that when he was traded to the Bruins he would face a series of adjustments. At first, he made them look ridiculously easy. He debuted with a spectacular overtime shutout win over Philadelphia last Saturday, and against Nashville Tuesday, he gave up just one goal as he earned victory No. 2.

However, last night he learned that very little work in net can be just as challenging as facing a barrage. He gave up three goals on just 20 shots as the Chicago Blackhawks ended Boston's unbeaten streak at five games (4-0-1-0), handing the Bruins a 3-1 loss at the FleetCenter as the clubs enter the All-Star break this weekend.

Jocelyn Thibault bricked it up at the other end, stopping 44 shots as the Blackhawks, led by former Bruins coach Brian Sutter, snapped a six-game winless skein (0-5-1-0).

Hackett gave up one goal in each period but it was the third one -- the second of the game by Theo Fleury -- that had the goaltender fuming at himself. Fleury took advantage of a Boston turnover and fired a shot from the top of the right circle that he didn't get much on.

''That was definitely a bad goal,'' said Hackett. ''That was a terrible goal. It was inexcusable. Sometimes they happen and it's frustrating for everyone, but you've got to move on.''

Seeing only seven shots in the opening period, five in the middle, and eight in the third isn't something Hackett's accustomed to.

''I've been on both ends of the spectrum,'' he said. ''Playing against Boston, I know [the Bruins] like to shoot the puck a lot. It's always a tough game physically. Now playing on the other side, it's tougher mentally.''

Chicago's first goal came on a power play at 8:15 of the first period as Fleury scored his eighth of the year when he buried a rebound.

The Bruins dominated the second period and outshot the Blackhawks, 21-5. They were 0 for 3 on the power play in the opening period and had another opportunity early in the second. With Mike Eastwood off for high-sticking Bryan Berard, Glen Murray had a great chance, but Thibault came up big. He also turned back bids by Joe Thornton and Brian Rolston.

The Blackhawks fed off Thibault's energy and boosted their lead to 2-0 when they converted a 3-on-2 break after Krzysztof Oliwa's chance at the other end. Left wing Kyle Calder, who assisted on Fleury's goal, dished a pass to center Tyler Arnason, who beat Hackett to the far side with a shot from the left circle at 7:20.

It was their first shot in more than 13 minutes and followed 15 consecutive Boston shots.

Popular pugilist P.J. Stock tried to light a fire under his team by challenging Chicago defenseman Jason Strudwick. Strudwick wanted no part of any fisticuffs, prompting Chris Simon to join him in yapping at Stock. Despite his efforts, Stock wound up with an unsportsmanlike penalty, but his teammates killed it off.

The Bruins kept the heat on Thibault but couldn't solve him at even strength. They finally managed to get one by him during their fifth power play. With Fleury off for hooking at 14:35, Rolston blasted a one-timer from the middle of the point and Mike Knuble tipped it off the left post to cut the lead to 2-1 at 15:45.

The Bruins were dealt a blow early in the third period when they lost Thornton for 12 minutes. Thornton was called for unsportsmanlike conduct at 3:53, but it was compounded when the Bruins' captain protested the call and was given a 10-minute misconduct.

At 6:57, the wind went completely out of their sails. Berard made a costly turnover at the blue line and Fleury took a shot from the top of the right circle that he didn't get much on, but it was enough to beat Hackett. The goalie reacted by slamming his blocker hand and glove hand on top of the net and slamming the water bottle in frustration.

''We didn't bear down on our opportunities and they capitalized on theirs,'' said Rolston, who had eight shots in the second and a game-high nine. ''I didn't think we played a bad game. I thought we played very hard. It was one of those games that wasn't meant to be. I think the good thing is the last few games we've really turned it around. We're feeling good about ourselves right now. It would've been real nice to get a win, but I think we feel good about the way we're playing.''

Hackett said he's looking forward to getting back at it after the break.

''I'm very excited,'' he said. ''I think we have a great opportunity here.''

This story ran on page E1 of the Boston Globe on 1/31/2003.
© Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company.