Boston Bruins: 3 takeaways from electric 2018-19 home opener

2. Rask recovers

It’s hard to play a worse game after giving up 5 goals in a period and a half, but Tuukka Rask looked much better on Monday. Rask stopped 28 of the 31 shots he faced, but can’t be blamed for any of the goals that were given up.

The Senators first goal of the game was due to the Bruins inability to clear the puck out of their zone and just overall poor defense. There was nothing Rask could really do in that situation.

The 2nd goal that Rask gave up was due to poor management by Bruce Cassidy. It appeared that the Bruins were playing with 4 men on the ice for some reason and the mistake backfired.

You may wish that Rask can stop that shot, but it’s hard when you are giving opponents a free man advantage.

Finally, on Ottawa’s final goal of the game there is a crowd of bodies in front of Rask. When you add in a late deflection the puck is basically impossible to stop.

Tuukka looked much more comfortable in net and made some truly amazing saves. A play that stuck out to me came early in the 3rd period when Alex Formenton had a breakaway and Rask was aggressive and made a poke check and caused Formenton to stumble over him.

If Rask’s misses there it’s an easy goal. That is the type of confidence you want from a starting goaltender.

Tuukka Rask had a much better outing on Monday, but hopefully he will continue to improve.