Boston Bruins: It is time to stop complaining about Tuukka Rask

Tuukka Rask has been the punching bag for Boston Bruins ever since he got his big payday, but it is time to stop complaining about one of the best goaltenders in the NHL.

Tuukka Rask is one of the most polarizing topics in Boston sports today. You either love him or you hate him. There is no in between. Even though the Boston Bruins goaltender is coming off a mediocre season it is time to give the guy a break.

The main reason Rask is the focus of criticism is because of his massive payday. After the 2013 season, Rask signed an 8-year-deal worth $56 million. That may seem like a boatload of money (because it is) but look at the deal that Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebucyk just got.

The 25-year-old will be making more than $6 million a season for 6 years. This was Hellebucyk’s first season where he performed well and this is what he is getting paid. Rask had more experience and performed much better when he got his deal.

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The Bruins goaltender hasn’t been horrible either. Rask ended up with a 34-14-5 record after struggling early on in the 2018 season. Rask ended up going on a 19 game point streak that included two separate winning streaks.

He had his struggles and gave up some rough goals, but Rask is still a great goaltender.

Rask had to deal with a young team and also a particularly young defense. When you throw in a boatload of injuries it can be hard to succeed, but Rask still found a way.

After a rollercoaster of a season, I’m expecting Rask to be much better. Jaroslav Halak will be his backup and will put some pressure on Rask. Halak could take over the starting job if Rask starts to struggle.

With that added pressure I expect Tuukka to improve and not rest on his laurels.

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So stop beating up on Tuukka Rask. Hopefully he and the Boston Bruins will be raising another Stanley Cup banner to the TD Garden rafters.

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