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Boston Bruins Goalie Tuukka Rask Records Shutout in Playoff-Clinching Win

By Brandon Share-Cohen

Mar 21, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) watch the puck during the second period against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) watch the puck during the second period against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Bruins Goalie Tuukka Rask Records Shutout in Playoff-Clinching Win Against Tampa Bay Lightning

For some reason, there is a narrative of Tuukka Rask failing to come up in big games for the Boston Bruins. There is also a narrative that Rask can’t steal a game for his team. When the Bruins took on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, they were doing so with a chance to clinch the playoffs. If that isn’t a big game in the regular season, then they simply do not exist.

With the playoffs on the line, Rask did his part. Despite the impressive effort by the Lightning all game, the Bruins were able to record the victory with a 4-0 victory. To put even more pressure on the situation, the Bruins were doing so without their best offensive player in Brad Marchand due to an ejection. With the need to win being so important, Rask stood on his head and recorded 28 saves for a shutout – his eight of the season, good for a career-high.

The Bruins’ netminder came up big Tuesday, as did the rest of the team. David Pastrnak scored two goals and Drew Stafford and Zdeno Chara notched goals of their own. The Bruins sealed their ticket to the postseason and the team simply left it all on the ice to earn that opportunity. More impressive than anything, however, may have been Patrice Bergeron’s efforts in the faceoff circle.

Related Story: Patrice Bergeron Perfect in Faceoff Circle

With 17 faceoffs attempted on the night, Bergeron finished the game with 17 faceoff wins. 100 percent efficiency. There aren’t many players in the world that can do that at any point in their career – Bergeron is so good that he has the potential to do it every night.

Next: Boston Bruins Clinch Playoff Spot

The Bruins have qualified for the postseason for the first time in three seasons. After two long offseasons, fans in Boston will finally get a chance to watch their beloved Bruins play postseason hockey once again. With Boston being accustomed to winning with the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox all experiencing success in the 2000s, it’s time for the Bruins to reclaim their spot atop the NHL.

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