Tuukka Rask's Play Improves Bruins' NHL Standings

 © 2107 Jordan Long
Sports-Scoop.com | Sports with Attitude!

The Boston Bruins are on a roll with a 4-game winning streak heading into tomorrow night’s game against the Ottawa Senators.

In Boston’s last 17 outings they are 13-3-1.  The surge puts them at 19-10-5 overall with 43 points, 3rd in the Atlantic division.   The main reason for their terrific play is goaltender Tuukka Rask who was named the 1st NHL Star of the Week for his play.

Rask has been unbelievable in December to this point with a record of 7-0-1.  According to bostonherald.com Rask said, ”The last month was good.  We’re trending in the right direction and playing the way we want to play, and it’s been resulting in wins."

Rask is the reason they are winning hockey games.  He is been able to stop the puck from entering the net.  Teams need to ride a hot goaltender for victories and that is what Boston is doing with Rask.

It is not all on Rask though.  The Bruins have to give credit to their defense.  They are checking skaters when they enter the defensive zone and poke checking the puck away.  That prevents teams from setting up.  The Bruins defense is blocking shots, making Rask’s job easier.  When there is a shot to Rask, he makes the save and covers up the rebound so there isn’t a second opportunity to score a goal.  In his 7 wins, the Bruins allowed only 11 goals. 

Rask is playing at a high level right now and is deserving of the NHL's 1st Star for the previous week.  The Bruins are having success because of his play between the pipes.  But it is only December and Rask knows that there is still a lot of hockey to be played.  Rask must be able to perform for the rest of the season.  If he can do that, the Bruins will be in decent shape to make a deep run in the postseason and maybe even a trip to the Stanley Cup Final.