2 U’s + 2 K’s = 53 Saves & A Win

June 5, 2013; Boston, MA USA; Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) dives to cover the puck during the second period in game three of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Tuukka Rask, Tuukka Rask, oh my goodness, Tuukka Rask. What to say about a man who singlehandedly willed his team into overtime and just wouldn’t leave the building without a win.

The Pittsburgh Penguins arrived in Boston down 0-2 to the Bruins and were being outscored 9-1. They were lifeless and getting embarrassed, they needed a good effort in Boston just to try and save some face. Well, the Penguins did just that and dominated the Bruins for most of the game while getting more than their fair-share of scoring chances.

But Tuukka Rask refused to give the Penguins any hope or life and instead slammed the door on 53 shots out of 55 on his way to helping the Bruins secure a 2-1 double-overtime win and 3-0 series lead.

Now, none of this should really shock anyone as Rask has been a wall for most of the playoffs. He’s now 11-4-1 in the playoffs with a 1.85 goals against average and .940 save percentage. If he didn’t make a case for a big payday from the Bruins in the regular season, he sure as heck is doing it now.

Evgeni Malkin finally showed up for the Penguins and hit a few posts, also Sidney Crosby was better and played a little harder but still is nowhere near where he needs to be if the Penguins wish to make this a series at all. Both are still pointless through 3 games.

As for the Bruins not named “Rask”, they decided to start playing sloppy in the 2nd period and it carried over through the 3rd period and for awhile it looked as though the Penguins were going to win the game. But like I said before, Rask and his goalposts just wouldn’t allow it.

Big ups to Gregory Campbell who blocked a Malkin bomb on the penalty-kill and stayed on the ice on one leg and even tried to block another shot. He was an absolute warrior and if the Bruins didn’t want to win it for Rask, they damn sure had to win it for Campbell. Johnny Boychuk also had some massive shot-blocks, especially in the 2nd OT before Bergeron’s game winner.

I think it’s safe to say Rask and Bruins stole this game tonight and with it I think they took what little wind was in the Penguins sails. Game-4 is in Boston on Friday night, I’ll be watching with a broom in my hand.