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Boston Bruins player outlook 2018: Tuukka Rask is a good goaltender

By Sam Minton

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 3: Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins reacts to giving up a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of the game at the Amalie Arena on April 3, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tuukka Rask
TAMPA, FL - APRIL 3: Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins reacts to giving up a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of the game at the Amalie Arena on April 3, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Tuukka Rask /
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Tuukka Rask may have had a roller coaster of a season, but there is no one I would rather have in net for the Boston Bruins.

Tuukka Rask can drive Boston Bruins fans mad. He is one of the most polarizing figures in Boston sports. There is no middle ground in the debate. Either you want the Bruins to trade Rask or you believe he is one of the best goaltenders in the league.

Rask didn’t get off to the best start last year. In his first 10 games, Rask gave up 3 or more goals 7 times. That is unacceptable.

Once Rask got his bearings he became the great goaltender that we know and love. In the middle of the season he went on a 19 game points streak and was on fire.

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Tuukka ended the season with a 34-14-5 record. When you factor in his horrid start, that is a quality season.

In the postseason Rask was still a solid goaltender. He didn’t struggle and most of the goals that he allowed were due to poor defense.

Prediction time:

This season I expect Rask to be much better. With Jaroslav Halak ready to take over at any moment the pressure will be on Tuukka. He definitely can’t have another poor start to the season like he did in 2017.

This season I expect Rask to have a save percentage around .920 and a goals against average around 2.2.

Rask should have a much better defense in front of him this season. Brandon Carlo will be healthy and ready to play when the season starts and everyone is much more experienced.

Matt Grzelcyk should be much better in his own zone, and the Bruins signed John Moore who could slide into the Bruins 2nd d-pairing. The Bruins have a ton of talent on defense throughout the organization.

dark. Next. Charlie McAvoy will be top defenseman

This year Rask should prove that he is one of the top goaltenders in the league and hopefully lead the Bruins to a Stanley Cup.

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