01:00 AM EST on Tuesday, February 24, 2004

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- This was supposed to be Andy Hilbert's year.

In only his third professional season, the 23-year-old forward should have been a shoo-in for the Boston Bruins. Then . . . BOOM! . . . just like that his groin gave out during training camp, stemming from hernia surgery during the offseason, and he was sidelined quicker than a Glen Murray one-timer.

Hilbert has been a goal-scoring machine his entire career and showed those skills during a two-year stint at the University of Michigan. As a Wolverine, he posted 97 points in 80 games and two years at the collegiate level were enough for him.

The Michigan native jumped ship for the NHL after Boston chose him as its third pick (37th overall) in the 2000 NHL draft. He quickly adapted to the AHL level in his rookie year with the P-Bruins, scoring 26 goals and adding 27 assists in 72 games during the 2001-02 campaign.

Last season, he tallied 70 points in 64 games. So, with all his early success as a pro, he was slated to make an impact for the Bruins this year.

Unfortunately, his injury took months to heal and he spent countless hours with P-Bruins trainer, Mike Poirier, in the catacombs of the Dunkin' Donuts Center instead of the bright lights of NHL arenas.

Hilbert missed the first 37 games for Providence and made his season debut on Jan. 10. In 12 games for the P-Bruins he tallied one goal and two assists before his recall on Feb. 12. In six games for Boston, he has one goal and one fighting major.

"He's played well," said Boston coach Mike Sullivan. "He hasn't played a lot of hockey this year because of his injuries and it's obviously a big jump from the American league. Given the limited play he's had all season long, at any level for that matter, he's really responded pretty well."

Hilbert realizes this is his chance. Forget about his 20 previous games for the Bruins during his first two season because it's what he does now that will decide his future. He scored his second NHL goal in a 5-2 win over Toronto on Feb. 17 and after his shot sizzled past Maple Leafs goaltender, Trevor Kidd, Hilbert felt the monkey was finally off his back.

"I feel a million times better," said Hilbert. "Especially scoring a goal was a huge confidence builder. I haven't played a lot the last couple of games, but each game I'm getting more confident out there and feel like I belong."

Hilbert was a bit surprised when he received the news of his promotion, especially since he just returned to playing.

"It's been a long, tough season," he said. "I'm trying my best, trying to make them believers. For them to have the confidence in me to call me up after I didn't play that much in Providence. I just want to play my best and make them believers."

Physically, he's been pushing the limits since his call-up. And while he admits he's not 100 percent, and might not be until the offseason, he plans on making the most of his opportunity.

"I can't worry about (the groin)," he said. "I have enough things to worry about rather than my physical [well-being]. I have other things to focus on and be mentally prepared."

Samsonov shelved again

Bruins' Sergei Samsonov was out of the lineup last night only one game after returning since missing four games due to a rib-cage injury eh suffered when he crashed into the boards. He returned Saturday against Carolina, but was extremely sore. He had a MRI taken yesterday, and results showed cartilage damage.

"Obviously, he's going to be out for a period of time," said Sullivan. "We just don't know how long."

Samsonov played only eight games last season due to a wrist injury and has missed 14 games this season -- nine for a knee injury, four due to his recent injury and one for the birth of his first child.

Injury updates

Another Bruin was injured last night. Defenseman Nick Boynton was spilled behind the Florida net early in the third period and crashed into the boards. He was slow to get up and skated gingerly to the bench. He returned to play one shift before leaving the game.

He will not play tonight against the Islanders in New York but is expected back on Thursday against Montreal.

It appeared he tweaked his right shoulder.

Boston defenseman Ian Moran skated with the team for the first time yesterday since suffering a severe ankle sprain on Dec. 23. His rehab has been slow and he's not expected back soon.

Also on the mend is forward Travis Green, who has been battling a recurring rib injury. There was a possibility he would play last night, but during the morning skate Sullivan decided to hold him back at least one more game.

Young R.I. fan a winner

Sitting in Section 4. Row 12. Seat 17 was the FleetCenter's 20-millionth fan last night. The best part, the fan is a Rhode Islander and it was his first hockey game. Lyle Mroz, 14, of North Kingstown came through the turnstiles last night and was greeted by Jeremy Jacobs, CEO of Delaware North, which owns the FleetCenter and the Bruins. Mroz, a freshman at North Kingstown High School was joined by his father David, sister Alyssa and uncle Mike Venancio. "I was shocked," said Mroz. "I'm amazed."

The 14-year-old wins a seven-day trip to any DNC property in the country, including Yosemite National Park, Kennedy Space Center and the Delta Queen Steamboat. Also, a FleetCenter season-ticket pass that includes two tickets to seven Bruins home games, two tickets to seven Celtics home games, four tickets to Disney On Ice, Ringling Bros. Circus and the Harlem Globetrotters.

Also, two tickets to the Beanpot College Hockey Tournament and Hockey East Championships, two tickets to any three concerts, a Bruins jersey with 20 Million on the back, a $250 shopping spree at the pro shop, a ride on the Zamboni during a Bruins games, a one-year membership to the Sports Museum, 100 family show tickets donated from the FleetCenter Neighborhood Charities in the winner's name to the charity of his choice and a behind-the-scenes, backstage tour and passes to an exclusive FleetCenter skate.

The family got lost on the way to the FleetCenter and when they finally arrived, Lyle had a soda can hidden in his pants and when he was pulled aside, he thought he was in trouble for bringing in his own beverage.

David Mroz bought the tickets to the game at a charity auction for CCRI, so it's an interesting story for the Mroz family.

Said David Mroz: "All around it's been a great night."