Leetch getting adjusted
He makes solid debut for Bruins
It has been a hectic week for Bruins defenseman Brian Leetch. On Tuesday, he welcomed his third child -- a son named Sean Michael who weighed in at 8 pounds 13 ounces -- and last night, he made his exhibition debut against the New York Islanders in front of 10,663 at TD Banknorth Garden.
His performance was solid but Boston lost, 2-1, on Alexei Zhitnik's power-play goal at 4:38 of the third.
''I felt awful," said Leetch with a laugh. ''But that's to be expected. Even when I was 21 years old, it was the same feeling. You just need to play and get out there and do things. I actually felt a little better right at the end and into the third period, but you've got to remember what you can't do and what you can do and all those things together, but it's the first step. I hope to get maybe four more games in."
Leetch said he was impressed with his new teammates, although the team is still getting accustomed to the new rules.
''Everyone was working out there," he said. ''I think we're all in the same boat, trying to gain confidence in your own game as well as figuring out the rules, and not everyone is playing right now. Everyone is thinking and going, so there's a little bit of in between. I've yet to see a lot of smooth skating early in preseason games. There are a lot of guys thinking and then reacting instead of just being able to go out and play. It'll come."
Raycroft nervous
Goaltender Andrew Raycroft made his preseason debut, playing the first two periods before giving way to Tim Thomas. Raycroft faced 12 shots, stopping 11, and Thomas, who absorbed the loss, also turned back 11 shots.Raycroft said he was nervous for the first time in two years.
''I felt good," he said. ''It was good to play and be a little nervous, not really knowing what to expect. I didn't want to look like an idiot out there right away. It's a good start and I'll play a full game later [next] week and hopefully just keep getting better."
Coach Mike Sullivan said he was impressed. ''I thought he picked up right where he left off," he said. ''He came to camp in terrific shape. He has four or five practices under his belt. I thought he stepped in and was real solid."
Smooth sailing?
Last night's game, which drops the Bruins to 1-2 in the preseason, was much smoother than the previous two. Boston allowed only six power plays, down significantly. The Islanders were 1 for 6 and the Bruins were 0 for 8 . . . Among those not dressing were center Alexei Zhamnov and right wing Glen Murray, who is still recovering from an ankle injury. Murray said he expects to play tonight in a rematch against the Islanders at the
