Boston Bruins: Rask and Halak once again proving to be an effective duo

Over the past two years, the Boston Bruins have had one of the NHL’s best goalie tandems. The duo of Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak has been key to the Bruins’ success and often find themselves at the top of the leaderboards. In 2021 the Bruins goaltenders have gotten off to an impressive start. Entering play on Wednesday, Boston has the second-most points in the NHL partly due to Rask and Halak’s play.

So far this season, Tuukka Rask has made nine starts. Boston’s number one netminder has gone 6-2-1 and has a GAA of 2.51. In those starts, he has faced 221 shots and allowed 22 goals. While Rask has a save percentage of .906, his game has looked better in his last three starts. Although Rask has gotten off to a solid start, Halak has been dominant when he has been in net.

Through five starts, Halak has a GAA of 1.38 and one shutout. The former ninth-round pick has a save percentage of .938 and has only allowed seven goals so far this season. Halak has been one of the league’s best and one of the Bruins’ most consistent players. His hot start has placed him in elite company as the B’s netminder currently has the fifth-highest save percentage in the NHL.

Bruins goalies give them a chance to win every night.

Although Halak has better numbers, both netminders have been key to the Bruins’ success. In Boston’s overtime win against the Rangers last week, Rask came up with a few big saves to force overtime. His play put Boston in the position to win and extend their point streak.  In Rask’s last three starts he has only allowed more than two goals once.

Through the first six weeks of the season, the Bruins have only lost twice in regulation. While their offense has struggled at times, the Bruins goaltenders have given Boston a chance to win almost every night. Their performance has been impressive as the Bruins have battled injuries and are still adjusting to life without Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara.

The Rask/Halak duo won the Jennings Trophy last year and have carried their success into 2021. As the season progresses, their play will be vital. The Bruins defense should also improve as youngsters such as Jakub Zboril and Jeremy Lauzon gain more experience.

If Rask can continue to improve and Halak continues his stellar play, then a deep playoff run could be in the B’s future. Boston still needs more offensively, but they are in good hands with Rask or Halak in the net.