Boston Bruins: 3 takeaways from 4-3 overtime loss to the Capitals

Jan 30, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (55), Bruins left wing Nick Ritchie (21), Washington Capitals right wing Richard Panik (14), and Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) battle for the puck in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (55), Bruins left wing Nick Ritchie (21), Washington Capitals right wing Richard Panik (14), and Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk (57) battle for the puck in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 30, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring the game winning goal in overtime on Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after scoring the game winning goal in overtime on Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tuukka Rask had an off night for the Boston Bruins.

Now I’m not saying Tuukka Rask has been the best goalie in the league so far this season, because he’s actually been subpar. However, he’s been able to make the easy saves and some pretty tough ones.

But for some reason, last night Rask seemed off. He let in a soft goal or two and was sniped twice from the top of the circles. The first time being from Nicklas Backstrom and the second time by Ovechkin.

I’m not saying that all four goals were completely Rask’s fault, because they weren’t, but he usually makes these saves.

When I say Rask seemed off, I mean he didn’t seem comfortable and wasn’t playing as aggressive as he normally does. However, the defense didn’t help him too much.

For the snipes by Backstrom and Ovechkin, the defense failed to step up and make things difficult for either of them, they just let them both skate into the zone. However, this is a save Rask usually and should make.

Another goal, the defense was screening Rask, making it difficult for Rask to see and track the puck. Rask actually seemed like he didn’t see the puck at all.

So, although Rask had an off night, it wasn’t completely his fault as the defense also had its moments last night.