Boston Bruins: 3 Stars of the Week

Feb 1, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) scores the go ahead goal on Washington Capitals goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) scores the go ahead goal on Washington Capitals goaltender Vitek Vanecek (41) in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 5, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Scott Laughton (21) is defended by Boston Bruins defenseman Jakub Zboril (67) in front of goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers left wing Scott Laughton (21) is defended by Boston Bruins defenseman Jakub Zboril (67) in front of goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) during the third period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tuukka Rask

Early in the season, coach Bruce Cassidy has rotated Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak between the pipes. On Tuesday, the NHL announced that the Buffalo Sabres were entering the leagues COVID-19 protocols and their games through Monday were being postponed. The Sabres were scheduled to play two games in Boston this weekend, but these games were wiped out.

Knowing that his team was getting a four-day break, Cassidy announced before the two-game set in Philadelphia that Rask was going to play both games against the Flyers. Rask was up to the challenge as he posted a pair of victories to help the Bruins end their trip unbeaten in regulation.

Wednesday night, the runner up for the Vezina Trophy last season, stopped 22 of the 25 shots sent his way by the Flyers. He withstood a second-period onslaught by Philadelphia and stopped 10 of the 11 shots he faced to keep the Bruins in the game and allow them to rally in the final minute to force overtime.

Friday night, Rask was just as good as he was Wednesday. He stopped 23 of the 24 Philly shots, including 12 in the third period. Once again, Rask kept the Bruins in the game while their offense struggled against Brain Elliott until they scored two goals, 27 seconds apart with seven minutes left in the game for a 2-1 victory.