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Boston Bruins: Why Tuukka Rask will bounce back versus Maple Leafs

By jc

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 21: Toronto Maple Leafs Right Wing Connor Brown (28), Boston Bruins Defenceman Matt Grzelcyk (48) and Boston Bruins Goalie Tuukka Rask (40) watch the puck go into the net for a goal during Game 6 of the First Round Stanley Cup Playoffs series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 21, 2019, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 21: Toronto Maple Leafs Right Wing Connor Brown (28), Boston Bruins Defenceman Matt Grzelcyk (48) and Boston Bruins Goalie Tuukka Rask (40) watch the puck go into the net for a goal during Game 6 of the First Round Stanley Cup Playoffs series between the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 21, 2019, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Bruins are in the midst of their first skid of the regular season and Tuukka Rask is being blamed, fairly or not.

The Boston Bruins have zero wins in the last four games, including a catastrophic collapse against Florida. Goalie Tuukka Rask is one of the reasons for Boston’s struggles.

Rask started the year on fire with seven wins in eight starts. Unfortunately for the Bruins, Rask cooled off since then. He is without a win in his last three games.

As bad as things may look right now, there is a bright side: Rask has a great chance to bounce back Friday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Boston Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy announced on Thursday that Rask will get the nod in Toronto, while Jaroslav Halak will play Saturday against the Capitals. Initially, this looks like the right idea.

Toronto, as well all know by now, drafted Rask but then traded him to Boston. Since then, Rask has simply owned the Leafs.

According to Hockey Reference, Friday will be Rask’s 31st game against Toronto. In the previous 30 games, Rask has an 18-7-2 record.

The record only tells part of the story. Rask’s save percentage against the Maple Leafs .925, and his goals-against average is 2.13. He also has two shutouts. Those are Vezina numbers!

All those stats don’t even include the postseason, where Rask faced Toronto on three separate occasions. Rask and the Bruins emerged victorious each time.

As dominant as Rask is against Toronto, he’s the complete opposite against Washington. In 19 games versus Washington, Rask’s record is 2-11-5. His save percentage is .889, and his goals-against average is 3.10.

We all remember last season’s debacle against the Capitals in the season opener. He only saved 14 of the first 19 shots he faced.

If history tells us anything, Cassidy’s smart to roll with Tuukka Rask against the Maple Leafs and Halak against the Capitals.

Friday is the best opportunity Rask has to regain the form he had earlier this season. When he’s on his game, Rask is one of the best goalies in the league. The Boston Bruins need that from Rask right now, especially with so many injuries up front.

Next. How will the Bruins handle William Nylander?. dark

Expect Tuukka Rask to play well against the Maple Leafs. He always does. Boston needs a big win against a division rival, and Rask is ready for the challenge.

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