Tuukka Rask
Despite arguments to the contrary, Rask has always been an elite goaltender, with the exception possibly of the 2015-16 season and part of the 2016-17 season, as his save percentage numbers from 2009-10 through 2013-14 show (.931, .918, .929, .929, .930). His timeshare with Jaroslav Halak has been one of general manager Don Sweeney’s creations, with Boston currently leading the NHL in goals against (2.32 per game) one season after finishing third.
Rask is always reticent about talking about his keys to success and reasons for his ability to play at a high level in his 11th NHL season, but there’s one development that he agreed to briefly talk about before the Bruins left on their four-game road trip: his success after bye weeks.
Players around the NHL vary in their opinions on whether they want to take a week off (or more considering the decision to put the bye week and the All-Star break consecutively in the schedule starting in 2018-19) during the season. Even before the NHL began working a break into its schedule, Rask was for it.
In six games since this year’s All-Star/bye week, Rask has a .958 save percentage. He hasn’t allowed more than two goals since Dec. 23, and hasn’t allowed more than three goals since Dec. 17.
Rask is always reticent about talking about his keys to success and reasons for his ability to play at a high level in his 11th NHL season, but there’s one development that he agreed to briefly talk about before the Bruins left on their four-game road trip: his success after bye weeks.
Players around the NHL vary in their opinions on whether they want to take a week off (or more considering the decision to put the bye week and the All-Star break consecutively in the schedule starting in 2018-19) during the season. Even before the NHL began working a break into its schedule, Rask was for it.
In six games since this year’s All-Star/bye week, Rask has a .958 save percentage. He hasn’t allowed more than two goals since Dec. 23, and hasn’t allowed more than three goals since Dec. 17.