Tuukka Rask Steals Show in Win Over Islanders

While Rob Gronkowski and the New England Patriots tried to steal the show Saturday night at TD Garden, Tuukka Rask and the Boston Bruins had other ideas.

Rask was sensational on the night, stopping 39 of 40 shots en route to a 2-1 win and his 23rd victory of the season. The victory was his second win against these Islanders in less than two weeks.

The Finnish netminder allowed a power-play goal to John Tavares early on in the first period, but then was a brick wall the rest of the game including a key save on Frans Nielsen from point blank right after Tavares gave his team the lead-a key turning point in the game.

Head coach Claude Julien wasn’t surprised at Rask’s performance given his string of recent success in his 10th straight start.

“Well, it’s one of many I guess lately,” Julien said after the victory. “He’s in a zone, he’s just been really good for us, focused and even intense. He’s not afraid to yell at players around him if they aren’t doing their jobs and you know he’s just been determined athlete in this last little while and it’s made a big difference for our hockey team.”

Rask was the best player on the ice for the Black and Gold Saturday night in the bounce-back win. He now owns a 7-2-1 record in his last 10 starts with a .965 save percentage and saves on 82 of 85 shots during the span.

Chris Kelly had a great play at the end of game blocking a Johnny Boychuk slap shot as time ticked down, but he praised his goaltender after the game not his heroic play.

“Tuukks (Tuukka Rask) bails us out all year long and if we can try to get in those shooting lanes and help him out a little bit it’s nice because we really do appreciate him,” Kelly said with a smile. “It’s nice when he can appreciate us a little bit.”

Rask acknowledged Kelly’s efforts after the game admitting he was glad his teammate threw his body in front of the shot.

“Hey, I didn’t want to stop that,” Rask said. “I saw who was shooting and that’s why I was so happy for it. You need that. Important moments of the game you need to sacrifice and it was good to see that. I think he’s alright though.”

Rask was active all night improving his goals against average to 2.30 while his save percentage is above the all-important .920 number (.922).

“Whenever they tell me to play, I’ll play,” Rask said. “I played, I don’t know, 14,15 in a row now. I’ll try to break the record I guess.”

It was one of those “grind it out” type wins according to Julien, but it was a close game until the end mainly because of Rask.

The other hero of the night Loui Eriksson who scored the game-winner, was asked how they continue to win low-scoring games.

“I think we stuck with it tonight, they were playing good, they are a good team and have some fast, skilled players making plays,” Eriksson said. “But like I said, Tuukka (Rask) made some really good saves for us and we find a way to win the game, so it was two important points for us.”

The Black and Gold will find themselves in another back-to-back situation against the Montreal Canadiens tomorrow night at TD Garden as Rask and the Bruins look for their first win against the Habs this season

We are all aware of Rask’s poor numbers against the Habs during the regular season in his career, but when asked if he will be between the pipes Sunday night, Rask answered, “Doesn’t matter to me.”

“Nobody’s told me otherwise, so I’m sure I’m playing,” Rask added. “But you know, if I play hopefully we’ll get a win so I don’t have to answer your questions again.”