Hackett Can’t Handle Muller

Kirk Muller scored 2:53 into overtime Friday night as the Toronto Maple Leafs ended a five-game road losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Ed Belfour, the Blackhawks’ No. 1 goalie, was supposed to start but was told not to come to the United Center because Chicago was trying to complete a trade. The Blackhawks wouldn’t disclose the identity of the other team involved, and the deal wasn’t finished by game’s end.

Jeff Hackett, who would take over as Chicago’s goaltender if Belfour is dealt, made 31 saves but couldn’t keep Muller from scoring on a rebound of Todd Warriner’s shot. It was the second consecutive overtime loss for Hackett and the Blackhawks.

If the trade is completed, the Blackhawks will have dealt two of their best and most popular players in a five-month span. In August, they traded center Jeremy Roenick to the Phoenix Coyotes for Alexei Zhamnov, who has been a major disappointment.

Belfour, the Vezina Trophy winner as the league’s top goaltender in 1991 and 1993, has been upset that he is splitting time with Hackett.

Muller, who started the winning play by checking Eric Daze off the puck along the boards, was left unchecked to gain control of the rebound in the left faceoff circle. He lifted a shot past Hackett’s stick side.

Dallas 5, Washington 2--The Stars, behind the strong goaltending of Arturs Irbe, who had 36 saves, registered their NHL-best 15th road victory.

Dallas, which beat the Capitals at home in October, swept the season series for the first time since 1993-94.

New York Islanders 5, Hartford 2--Derek King registered his sixth career hat trick as the Islanders won at Hartford in Rick Bowness’ first game as head coach.

Bowness took over behind the bench earlier in the day when Mike Milbury, upon the urging of new owner John Spano, decided it would be best for the franchise if he concentrated on general manager duties and relinquish the bench job.

Calgary 2, Ottawa 2--Daniel Alfredsson scored with 30 seconds remaining in regulation give the Senators tie tie at Kanata, Canada.

Edmonton 3, Buffalo 1--Dan McGillis scored one goal and set up another in the third period as the Oilers snapped the Sabres’ four-game winning streak and hand them their first loss at home in nine games.

New Jersey 3, San Jose 1--Steve Sullivan scored a tie-breaking goal late in the second period and all-star goaltender Martin Brodeur stopped the Sharks at San Jose.