Causeway Crowd
Fansided

3 Reasons the Bruins Make the Playoffs

By Scott Roche

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 15: Craig Smith #12 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with David Krejci #46 and Charlie McAvoy #73 after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at TD Garden on April 15, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 15: Craig Smith #12 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with David Krejci #46 and Charlie McAvoy #73 after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at TD Garden on April 15, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Apr 15, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuuka Rask (40) deflects the puck in the corner during the first period against the New York Islanders at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins goaltender Tuuka Rask (40) deflects the puck in the corner during the first period against the New York Islanders at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Goaltending

Veteran goalie Tuukka Rask has won both of his starts since returning from a back injury in the last five days and he’s looked pretty impressive in doing so. The Bruins are not going to overwork the 34-year-old and most likely split his time before the postseason.

Who does he split that time with? That’s the question.

Backup Jaroslav Halak is traveling with the Bruins on their current road trip and is close to coming off of the COVID-19 protocols list. When he does, who backs up Rask?

Rookie Jeremy Swayman has made the case to be the full-time backup with his impressive start to his NHL career. In five games, Swayman is 4-1 with a 1.78 goals-against average (GAA) with a .938 save percentage (SV%). He’s allowed just nine goals on 155 shots.

He plays with confidence, challenges the opponents, and does a nice job of cutting down their shooting angles. There is no doubt that he has a bright future as an NHL goalie, but there is the case to be made that he deserves to be Rask’s backup.

Regardless of what happens, the Bruins should feel confident with whoever is in net. Rask appears to be healthy and showed in his last two games that he’s rounding back and in the form, he was at the beginning of the season. Swayman has given Bruins fans a glimpse of the future and should be Rask’s backup the rest of the season and in the postseason.

Must Read. The Bruins are positioned perfectly for the summer. light

As the Bruins close out the regular season with their final 13 games, making the playoffs is not a given, but with the trade deadline deals made and the way their goaltenders are playing, if those two things hold up, then a playoff berth is in the Black and Gold’s future.

Home/Bruins News