Goaltender Controversy

© 2107 Jordan Long

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The Boston Bruins look to go above .500 for the first time this year.  They host the San Jose Sharks tomorrow night.  The Bruins have a goaltender controversy early in this young season between Tuukka Rask and Anton Khudobin.

Rask may start in net for the Bruins.  He missed the last 2 games with a concussion.  Rask’s year has been poor to this point.  His record is 1-3 with an unimpressive goals against average of 3.30.  His save percentage is .882.

Rask can make some saves, but he has allowed too many goals.  When opponents shoot the puck, Rask can stop the puck but gives up rebound chances for the opponents.  Those rebounds come to an open skater who puts it in the back of the net for goals.  It hasn’t been all his fault since his defense isn’t playing well in front of him but he still must cover the puck.

On the other hand Anton Khudobin is far outplaying Rask.  Khudobin is 2-0-1 this year which is better than 1-3.  He allows only 2.98 goals per game and his save percentage is .910.  Khudobin is seeing the puck better than Rask and isn’t allowing as many rebounds.  The defense seems to play better in front of him and are checking opponents away from the puck.  He isn’t giving up easy goals.

The Bruins must play the hotter goaltender at this point.  Khudobin is outplaying Rask.  They need to start him and if he struggles then switch to Rask.  If Rask isn’t the answer, then look to trade for a goaltender before the season slips away.  The Bruins know in order to make the postseason, they need a goaltender to make the saves.  Luckily, the season is young and there is plenty of time for them to figure out who should start between the pipes.