Photo Credit: Press Image (Lehtikuva – AFP)
By: KG Follow me on Twitter: @kgbngblog and on FanCred at K G
The criticism about Tuukka Rask’s recent play has some proof to back it up with Khudobin matching his win total of 7 from last season in 5 games less then it took him last year. But just when you thought that Rask would be held off the ice until Khudobin lost, Bruce Cassidy sent him in against the Edmonton Oilers. After letting in three goals on 35 shots, Cassidy still had enough confidence to put him in against the Eastern Conference-leading Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bruins defense was a big part of Rask’s success last night, needing to stop only 19 of 21 shots. Both goals were pretty tough too. A Sustr shot from the point where he was screened the majority of the time, and a trademarked Stamkos/Kucherov connection on the power play. A good win and confidence booster for Rask and the rest of the team.
The Bruins are coming up on a quick two-game road trip to Philadelphia and Nashville, and then back home to play Arizona. The Flyers have lost nine games straight, and have only won five games in a 20-game stretch. Nashville is playing the Bruins for the first time in Nashville and the last time this season (Barring any Stanley Cup Final meet up) They have won 10 of their last 12 games, climbing to third in the Central division. The Coyotes, after a terrible start to their season, have won 4 of their last 7 games, including an OT loss. All these teams have something in common. They are all playing on streaks. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good or bad one, the Bruins should worry about them all. Playing a team that’s winning night in and night out is tough because they have obviously found a groove and want to stay in that same groove for as long as possible. And playing a losing team is just as dangerous because the other team goes in thinking it’ll be a cake walk and end up being caught flat-footed. Hopefully, Boston plays their cards right and can come out with a couple points.
Injury Update –
The Bruins sit ten points back of Tampa Bay for the top spot in the East, and are currently one point out of third in the Atlantic behind Montreal, with four games in hand on Les Canadiens. Those four games in hand are a good sign for the Bruins. They are keeping pretty close with point totals compared to other teams in playoff spots, but they have played fewer games than most teams.
The Bruins also went out toy shopping today. Here are some of the highlights
I think Jake may have bought that bear for himself. Great cause for them giving back to the local community.
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