An extension in works for Chiarelli

Bruins ownership, suitably impressed by the club's playoff appearance last spring and first-place showing in the Eastern Conference this season, is attempting to work out a contract extension with general manager Peter Chiarelli.

Chiarelli, the 44-year-old former Harvard captain who was hired as Mike O'Connell's replacement in June 2006, is in year No. 3 of a four-year deal he signed upon coming to the Hub from the Ottawa Senators.

"He's my GM right now, and hopefully we can work something out . . . I'd like to see him here long term," said owner Jeremy Jacobs, at the TD Banknorth Garden last night to see his Bruins defeat the Capitals in overtime, 3-2.

"I'm working on it, but we're not there yet," said Charlie Jacobs, the owner's son and the club's executive vice president. "We'd like to have something done before he enters the final year of his contract."

Typically with the Bruins, contracts for club executives run July 1 through June 30 of the following year. By that measure, Jacobs would like to have their new deal finalized within five months.

Chiarelli, who watched last night's victory from his perch on the ninth floor, confirmed negotiations have been ongoing.

"I'm happy that ownership thinks highly of the group," said Chiarelli, noting that a finalized deal was not imminent, but he was confident it would get done.

KEVIN PAUL DUPONT