RALEIGH, N.C. - The Blackhawks put it all together here Wednesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.

And what a combination it was - sloppy defense, shaky goaltending from Jocelyn Thibault and a nonexistent offense in a 4- 1 loss.

Offensively, it was comical for the Hawks, who had 18 shots on goal - 5 in the first period, 6 in the second and 7 in the third.

"Sometimes with shots, it's the quality of shots," said associate coach Lorne Molleken.

The Hawks didn't have many of those either.

Chicago native and Fenwick High School alum Bates Battaglia had his first career hat trick to lead the Hurricanes. Boris Mironov scored the lone goal...