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Boston Bruins: What the Bruins need against the Toronto Maple Leafs

By jc

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins battles against Trevor Moore #42 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins battles against Trevor Moore #42 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19:Jaroslav Halak #41 of the Boston Bruins reacts as a shot by Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs goes in during overtime at the Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – OCTOBER 19:Jaroslav Halak #41 of the Boston Bruins reacts as a shot by Mitch Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs goes in during overtime at the Scotiabank Arena on October 19, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Stronger play in net

Jaroslav Halak got the start in net Saturday night against the Leafs. Halak had a solid game, and he certainly was not the reason why the Bruins lost in overtime.

Nonetheless, the Bruins need stronger goaltending in the rematch against Toronto.

Full disclosure: Halak’s been great this season. He’s been awesome in fact. Halak is one of the best backups in the league, and he should instill confidence in everyone.

That said, Halak didn’t have his best game against the Leafs. Halak only saved 25 out of 29 shots, which is a 0.862 save percentage. This is certainly below his high standards.

The first goal wasn’t Halak’s fault at all, as the puck took a few crazy deflections out front. Halak, however, probably should have saved the second goal.

Dmytro Timashov capitalized on a turnover and fired a wrist shot over Halak’s glove. This was Timashov’s first goal of his career. Halak doesn’t want to be beat by someone who’s far from an elite scorer.

The third goal wasn’t as bad as the second, but Halak could’ve done better. He gave up a rebound off a shot from the point, and Alexander Kerfoot banged it home.

Look, Halak wasn’t bad against Toronto, but he didn’t reach his lofty expectations. Expect for him to be better in his next start.

We still don’t know if Halak or Tuukka Rask will get the nod in the second game against Toronto. Regardless of who starts, the Bruins need stronger play in net.

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The Boston Bruins had a solid game against Toronto on Saturday, but they’ll need to play a little better to take the full two points on Tuesday. Based on their track record, look for the Bruins to do just that.

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