Oct 19, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Bruins goalie
Tuukka Rask(40) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
This week, the Boston Bruins went 2-1-0. This improves their record to 5-2-0, putting them in a three way tie for second in the Division with the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bruins came up short against the Red Wings last monday in a 3-2 defeat. Then they barely avoided the claws of the Florida Panthers and Tim Thomas in a 3-2 win. The Bruins realized their poor play and came back with a vengeance against the Lightning. All but one forward put up some kind of point in a lopsided 5-0 victory that is still stinging the Lightning. If the Bruins continue to play like that, then the Bruins will be the elite team to beat again in the Atlantic Division.
Here are Causeway Crowd’s Three Stars of the Week for the Boston Bruins.
Third Star: David Krejci. The Czech has started to heat up for the Bruins. He’s had three points(one goal) this week, and has been a motivator for the Bruins top line. He ended up with a +1 for the week, and has made solid contributions in all three games for the Black and Gold. He’s meshed will with Iginla, and the ‘A’ on his chest has only improved the respect level the other players in the league have for him.
Second Star: Reilly Smith. Smith in a recent interview with Boston Bruins.com said that Brendan Shanahan was a childhood inspiration. (We’ll assume as a player.) One of the players in the Tyler Seguin trade, Smith has made a solid case to make the roster, and has worked very hard to earn his slot on the third line. With Marchand not producing as expected, it made a lot of sense to promote Smith up to being a top-six forward. In the last three games, Reilly has also put up three points for the Bruins(one goal), including the game winner against the Panthers. He seems very comfortable in his new role, and may remain on the second line for a while.
First Star: Tuukka Rask. There can not be enough positive things said about Tuukka Rask this season. Rask has covered his Bruins brother’s butts when they had bad defensive breakdowns, and he’s been remarkable everywhere else. Tuukka went 2-1-0 this week, and his stats are only proving that he was worth every penny the Bruins ponied up for. Rask is in the top five for all major categories for a net minder. His 1.29 goals average (5th), save percentage .954 (4th) five wins (T-2nd), and shutout (T-1st) prove he’s elite, and he can take on the best players in the world, and be a black and gold wall against them.