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Boston Bruins: Time For A New Number Two Goaltender

By Andrew Thompson

Jan 22, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) scores a goal against Boston Bruins goalie Zane McIntyre (31) during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) scores a goal against Boston Bruins goalie Zane McIntyre (31) during the third period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the B’s are running out of games and chances to stay in the playoffs, the Boston Bruins need to make a move to find a quality backup goaltender at the trade deadline.

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The Boston Bruins asked Zane McIntyre to step up big time against the Toronto Maple Leafs last Saturday. Had McIntyre been able to hold off Toronto, it would have gone a long way to ease the fans concerns about the team’s lack of goaltending depth.

That didn’t happen. The Bruins backup came up short against the Leafs, allowing two goals and 12 shots. The Leafs were able to squeak past the B’s 6-5. Now the Bruins are on the verge of falling out of a playoff slot and the Bruins goaltending problems are becoming a serious issue.

“I think I’m making it harder on myself I think more than anything,” offered McIntyre after the Bruins most recent defeat. “There’s just simple reads that you know for whatever reason I’m not making, and that’s the difference. As a goalie, you make a mistake, you make a bad read, it’s a tough part of the job it ends up in the back of the net and the red light goes on. I think in that respect I’m making it harder than it needs to be. I’m beating myself more so than anything. That’s the really frustrating part I’d say.”

Zane McIntyre has the potential for being a NHL goalie. He’s just not ready right now. McIntyre’s inability to be the new number two forces the B’s down an ugly road.

So where can the B’s turn to? Anton Khudobin? He’s been bouncing back and forth the leagues. He doesn’t look ready to come back to Boston. They could give Malcolm Subban another chance, but he’s having trouble being an AHL goaltender. This means the B’s either burn out Tuukka Rask or take their chances in free agency.

Right now, the Bruins are pushing the Rask option. So far, it’s not working. Tuukka’s numbers are getting uglier. His goals-against average is climbing, now at 2.31. His save percentage is continuing to fall. From a Vezina-worthy .930, Rask has dropped to a barely average .911.

So, the Bruins will need to try free agency. There are several decent goaltenders out there that could fit the bill.  If the Bruins find a competent rental, then they’ll be able to squeak through and make the playoffs.

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