A shutout cures what ails Tallas

Boston's rookie goalie, Robbie Tallas, spent Friday in a Tampa hospital. He spent Saturday celebrating his first NHL shutout.

Tallas, who was injured during practice Friday after taking a shot to the groin, made 25 saves, including 10 in the third period in Boston's 3-0 victory.

"I tried not to think about it," Tallas said about his visit to University Hospital Friday night. "To reflect back on this some day will be special. With Ray getting the (Bruins') record, I think it will be a game everyone will remember for some time."

Tallas could barely walk after Friday's practice, but told coach Steve Kasper before Saturday's game he wanted to play.

"He's a battler," Kasper said. "I told him I needed to know if he could play or not and he looked me in the eyes and said, "I'll be there for you.' He showed grit and he did a great job. To put the adversity behind him, well, something like this bodes well for his future in this league."

WHERE'S DINO?: Lightning right wing Dino Ciccarelli missed Saturday's game with a hairline fracture in the bone beneath his left eye and a slight concussion as a result of a check into the boards against Montreal on Thursday.

He is expected to play Tuesday in Phoenix.

HOCKEY CLINIC:The Burdines/Tampa Bay Lightning Ice Hockey Clinic is scheduled for 1 p.m. today on Center Ice at Countryside Mall. An autograph session will follow from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Burdines Sports Forum.

Tampa Bay defenseman Cory Cross and Lightning television and radio analyst Bobby "Chief" Taylor will make an appearance, as well as ThunderBug.

ODDS AND ENDS:Tampa Bay goalie Rick Tabaracci gave up the Ray Bourque goal that allowed him to break the Bruins' record for points in a career. Tabaracci also allowed Mark Messier's 500th NHL goal last season. With Ciccarelli out, the Lightning scratched Jay Wells and dressed seven defenseman. By picking up four minutes in penalties, Chris Gratton ran his season total to 126, three more than his rookie season-high of 122.

_ TOM JONES