Gainey tragedy draws sympathy

MONTREAL -- As the Bruins' elder statesman, 36-year-old Jason York has heard his share of sad stories around the NHL.

But the defenseman has never heard of anything so stomach-churning as the loss of Laura Gainey, daughter of Montreal general manager Bob Gainey.

"Your heart goes out to that family," York said before last night's 4-3 loss to the Canadiens.

On Friday, Laura Gainey was swept off the sailing ship Picton Castle, a training vessel, in the waters off Cape Cod. On Monday night, the search and rescue operation was called off.

"Getting swept away at sea, that's something you read about in a story book," said York, shaking his head. "You don't think it's possible. Then when you hear about it or read it in the news, you say, 'How does that happen?' "

Yesterday morning, the Gainey family released the following statement:

"We wish to sincerely thank all the people who have been involved in the search for our darling Laura. Their extensive efforts and their tremendous support throughout this ordeal will never be forgotten. We would particularly like to thank the United States Coast Guard and the Canadian Forces' Joint Rescue Coordinator Center in Halifax for their extraordinary efforts. We are also very grateful to the entire crew of the Picton Castle and the merchant ships that graciously volunteered their time and resources. Our family would like to express our deep appreciation for the overwhelming support and prayers from our family, friends, and the general public. Thank you."

Bob Gainey did not attend last night's game. Assistant GM Pierre Gauthier has taken over Gainey's duties on an interim basis.

Following yesterday's morning skate, Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau spoke on behalf of his players, who were not made available.

"He's doing as good as you could expect," said Carbonneau. "The past weekend has been really hard on him. He wanted to thank everybody around the team -- players and staff -- for their prayers and thoughts."

Gainey, who lost his wife to brain cancer in 1995, has a bulletproof reputation around the league, dating to his playing career.

"Everything I've heard about the guy is that he treats people with respect," York said. "I've heard he's a real players' guy and a real people guy. I don't know why bad things happen to good people."

Fourth-line makeover

Last month, when Phil Kessel centered Stanislav Chistov and Petr Tenkrat on the Bruins' fourth line, the offensive-minded threesome displayed sparkling skills while taking advantage of their speed.

Last night, with Kessel recovering from surgery and Tenkrat starting on the No. 1 line for the fifth straight game in place of P.J. Axelsson (bruised left foot), the fourth line resembled the grinding unit that started the season.

Yan Stastny, recalled from Providence Monday, skated with wingmen Chistov and Jeff Hoggan. It was Stastny's first NHL appearance since Nov. 11 when he recorded an assist and played 9:01 against the Senators. It was Hoggan's fourth straight game with the Bruins since he was promoted from Providence last Wednesday.

"They're different personnel, but they're going to work hard and contribute," said coach Dave Lewis. "I think they're going to contribute offensively and be sound defensively."

Stastny played 3:23 last night, including 1:02 on the penalty kill. Hoggan skated four shifts for 2:05.

Blood and guts

In the first period last night, Marco Sturm and Glen Murray were bloodied within 20 seconds of each other and sent to the dressing room for repairs. Sturm was clipped by Alexander Perezhogin's high stick (double minor), which opened a gash on his forehead at 10:19. Then at 10:39, a puck off the stick of Mike Johnson caught Murray on the side of the head, sending trickles of blood down his face. While Sturm (18:35 of ice time) did not return for the rest of the first period, Murray (18:00) came back to the bench with 2:13 remaining in the opening frame. "A lot of stitches. Lot of blood," said Lewis. "They came back and both had pretty strong games." . . . The Bruins broke an 0-for-18 power-play slump with Marc Savard's second-period goal . . . With Tim Thomas sitting out the morning skate, the Bruins fitted a rubber Shooter Tutor to one cage. After the skate, Hoggan shared his Tutor-solving secret to Mark Mowers. "Shoot it real hard," Hoggan cracked. "He'll fold." . . . Brian Finley cleared waivers and was assigned to Providence. The goalie hasn't played since injuring his groin against the Penguins Nov. 22 . . . Despite replays that appeared to show that Brad Stuart's two third-period goals last Monday were deflected -- the first by Savard and the second by Wayne Primeau -- the defenseman is still credited with both strikes. Stuart has a 5-5--10 line in 23 games.