Boston Bruins give Anton Khudobin the nod against the Sharks

The Boston Bruins announced yesterday that Anton Khudobin will get the start in his second straight game when the Bruins face the Sharks on Saturday.

The Boston Bruins announced yesterday that Anton Khudobin will get the start in his second straight game when the Bruins face the San Jose Sharks tonight.

Khudobin’s performance has been a pleasant surprise so far. The 31-year-old veteran goaltender is 4-0-2 this season and has a 2.35 goals against average as well as a .928 save percentage.

Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy likes what he is seeing from the perceived backup goalie.

"“We’re gonna go back with Anton. Obviously a solid game [Thursday] night, good first go around against San Jose. His numbers have been good, so we’ll give him an opportunity. We’re just gonna run with Anton, he’s playing well so we might as well enjoy that luxury.”"

Khudobin also has had some success against the Sharks. In his career he is 3-1-0 against San Jose and boasts a .099 GAA, as well as an impressive .967 save percentage.

Also, something interesting to note is the reaction from Tuukka Rask. He obviously supports his teammate but also had this to say about his performance so far this season.

"“Obviously we look at every game, whether it’s a win or a loss and we take the positives and learn from the negative. It hasn’t been my efforts or my game – it hasn’t been any different from the past – it’s just been tough bounces for the most part…I’ve been happy with my game, but the results haven’t been there, so you can’t be happy with that.”"

Now it may be true that Tuukka may not have been the absolute reason the Bruins have lost some games, but it hasn’t just been tough bounces.

Rask was plain and simply out of position. That’s a save that most goaltenders make. You have to take some accountability Tuukka. You are having a rough season. A 3-7-2 record with 2.89 GAA and a .897 save percentage is something we don’t expect from a former Vezina winner.

Cassidy is making the right move. With Khudobin’s play so far this season they should ride the hot goaltender and then if he cools down let Tuukka try to redeem himself.

Next: Bruins could play in 2019 Winter Classic

The Bruins look to get above .500 on Saturday night and hopefully try to get back on track on what has been a disappointing season so far. Boston will drop the puck against the San Jose Sharks, and former Bruins star Joe Thornton, at 10:30 EST at the SAP Center in California.