Boston Bruins: Grading the Bruins through five games
By jc
The Bruins started the season on a high note with four wins in five games. How do we grade the individual position groups?
The Boston Bruins started their season with four games on the road before their home opener Saturday night against New Jersey.
Through these first five games, Boston has four wins and one loss. And in the one loss, the Bruins had two goals overturned.
The season’s still young, but it’s safe to say that the Bruins once again are one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. And goaltending is one the biggest reasons why.
Goaltending: A
The Bruins have the luxury of two starting goaltenders. Tuukka Rask is the number one, but backup Jaroslav Halak would certainly start on a lot of teams.
As such, Bruce Cassidy alternated Rask and Halak in these first five games.
Rask was strong in the opener against Dallas; he allowed only one goal on 29 shots. Halak responded with a shutout in Arizona.
Rask and Halak weren’t as dominate in their next starts, as they each allowed three goals. But, both goalies made some important saves to keep the Bruins in the games.
In the most recent game against the Devils, Rask had his best start of the season. He closed the door on New Jersey all night and finished with a shutout. Rask was especially strong in the second period when the Bruins play lagged.
If Rask and Halak continue to play at this level, the Bruins will be in great shape all season.