Assuming Rask is Healthy to Start...

[22Brad Park]

It's crunch time so we all know Rask won't be healed by Tuesday. I hope they trade him in the offseason. No balls.

He already took them to a Stanley Cup final.Let me know when another goalie holds a Pens team featuring Crosby and Malkin to 2 goals in 4 games. The great Carey Price and his 23-27 playoff record &.911 save% in playoffs should do it eh??? .lol

 

[BMC]

Khudobin. Remember that time rask sat out the final game last year in do or die mode with a stomachache, and did the same thing in the olympics with Finland...he doesn't have the clutch gene. I say khudobin gets the next one and then go back to rask until he loses. Then khudobin the rest of the way. Send the message in Nashville, see if it takes, and then adjust accordingly

This is why I'm done with Rask. Not that I've ever been sold on him I've always wondered about his mental toughness. The Islanders game was last straw.

Khudobin. Ride him until he can't go on anymore. Then keep riding him anyway.

 

[Ratty]

It's mystifying how posters wanted to find a backup goalie a few weeks ago. Halak mentioned often. Now they want to anoint Khudobin the guy to drive this team to the playoffs!

Then there are those who claim that Tuukka doesn't have the fortitude to compete. How can one tell about a goalie's attitude? Has he made any public statement? Does he have to destroy his stick when he gives up a goal? Lots of psychologists masked as hockey savants on this site.

 

[KrejciMVP]

Dobby does deserve the start, but Im so tempted to start Rask bc Im hoping he's angry and we need that against 87 point Nashville.

For all the Rask over Price arguments. Price is great for Team Canada, but has NEVER done anything worthy in the post season. What is his Eastern conference finals record since 08?

 

[ReggieMoto]

Now they want to anoint Khudobin the guy to drive this team to the playoffs!

That's either a complete misread of what's being said or it's a purposeful mischaracterization to further your agenda. Whichever, people seem to like AK's level of play right now compared to Rask and there's plenty of reason to do so. He's hot right now and people like to ride the hot goalie. Rask on the other hand is cold as ice. So yeah people naturally want to see the better goalie playing.

Then there are those who claim that Tuukka doesn't have the fortitude to compete. How can one tell about a goalie's attitude?

Can't speak to his attitude but there's again plenty of evidence to indicate he lacks the fortitude to handle the big games. He seems to fold under pressure. He appears to have done it a number of times, this year and last. It's not a stretch to draw the conclusion that he had a weak mental fortitude, whether being drawn by observant hockey fans or a psychologist.

 

[rocketdan9]

I don't wish for this

BUT if Rask plays the rest of the way and he stinks it up.... it will give Sweeney more incentive to trade him.... maybe even leave him unprotected come expansion draft

If Rask shakes off the webs, finishes strong and helps this team make the playoffs... then the 2-3 year "collapsing curse" is over....

BY not playing Rask and sticking with Khudobin.... well imagine if Khudobin loses. People are not going to get too crazy over this as he is getting paid what, 900k? But the Rask situation will remain unclear and his value will be drop

 

[Bruinfanatic]

He already took them to a Stanley Cup final.Let me know when another goalie holds a Pens team featuring Crosby and Malkin to 2 goals in 4 games. The great Carey Price and his 23-27 playoff record &.911 save% in playoffs should do it eh??? .lol

What have you done for me lately.

 

[bobbyorr04]

It's matters to the people paying the cheques I would guess .And let's not kid ourselves Rask is A LOT BETTER then Dobby. He did his part .He won a big game

Although I agree with you that Rask can and should be better than Dobby, the truth is that he's been struggling the last few games when the B's need him most, and really hasn't looked any better than most goalies in the entire league.

He hasn't been focused or sharp enough lately to exude any confidence in me and/or most Bruin's fans, players and coaches.

I don't know exactly what is going on with Rask or why he is in a bad slump right now, but until he starts playing the way he is capable, I feel more confident in Dobby. I'd rather watch a guy with less talent playing his ass off, than a former vezina trophy winner who looks lackluster and keeps giving up easy goals and momentum.

At some point "soon" Rask is going to have to take the bull by the horns, and show everybody that he is back on track, but if it becomes evident that he has lost his mental toughness to play in do or die games, then it may be time for the Bruins to try and move him in the off-season.

 

[smithformeragent]

It's mystifying how posters wanted to find a backup goalie a few weeks ago. Halak mentioned often. Now they want to anoint Khudobin the guy to drive this team to the playoffs!

Then there are those who claim that Tuukka doesn't have the fortitude to compete. How can one tell about a goalie's attitude? Has he made any public statement? Does he have to destroy his stick when he gives up a goal? Lots of psychologists masked as hockey savants on this site.

Qft.

 

[TaroTsujimoto]

Can't speak to his attitude but there's again plenty of evidence to indicate he lacks the fortitude to handle the big games. He seems to fold under pressure. He appears to have done it a number of times, this year and last. It's not a stretch to draw the conclusion that he had a weak mental fortitude, whether being drawn by observant hockey fans or a psychologist.

What about when Rask was stellar in leading the Bruins to the Stanley Cup final? How does that square with your little theory?

The game against Toronto was a huge one, and Rask looked absolutely fantastic. The game in which he struggled was his third in four nights (surprise). Rask's play slips when he becomes fatigued...that's it. The pseudo-psychologists of this forum are talking gibberish.

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

If Rask really is struggling through something, and this is coupled with his ****** play as of late, I see no reason why given his last performance Anton should not get the next start.

I'm not going to be crazy and emotional and say "Anton the rest of the way", but is certainly deserving of back-to-back starts, however late in the season it may be.

I want the team to win, and right now, it looks like Khudobin wants it more.

 

[DrJustice]

IF he is healthy, I'd start Rask with a very short leash. He's still by far the better goalie, the only thing that should be holding him back is fatigue and health. I don't buy the mental toughness stuff, the guy has the ability and is a #1 goaltender. We ride or die with him.

If it were a young kid like McIntyre or Subban who was pushing Rask and we thought we had the next guy then it would be different. As much as I love him for the last 5 games, Anton Khudobin is not going to turn into our Matt Murray.

 

[bp13]

Two things:

1. I don't believe for a second that Rask is hurt. I know that sounds either ****** or maybe crazy but I dont.

2. Even if he was a little hurt or not, I still see no reason to pull Khudobin from this starter role until he loses a game for them. They fought for him and he won...he should get to play until it's time to try someone else.

 

[ReggieMoto]

What about when Rask was stellar in leading the Bruins to the Stanley Cup final? How does that square with your little theory?

Ancient history.

The pseudo-psychologists of this forum are talking gibberish.

As are his supporters who think he's just fine, maybe a little tired.

 

[bruins repeat time]

If Rask wasn't recovering Mcintyre would still be here . I believe Rask is playing through an injury that flares up now and than.

The funniest part of this thread and I mean Funniest part is I think a lot of you actually believe khudobin will play Tuesday or until he loses . Trust me Cassidy has no decision . . If no one is recalled from Providence tomorrow Rask will be in the net 1000 percent .

Rask actually played well two of his last three starts and he is the guy here and the back ups including khudobin hasn't even had a good year or even any amazing stretch at all but carry on with this make believe thread.

 

[Hali33]

Khudobin has won his last 5 starts. It doesn't have to be pretty, the points are all that matter this time of year.

You're telling me that a day ago Rask had an injury serious enough to justify missing a massively important game for this team in the standings and within a couple days he's good to go? Give me a break. I've been a supporter for years for Rask but this is ridiculous.

If both goalies are on their game there should be no competition on who gets the start. If Rask is seriously that hurt then rest him until Dobby loses badly. If not, let him get his **** together and earn it back.

 

[bruins repeat time]

Khudobin has won his last 5 starts. It doesn't have to be pretty, the points are all that matter this time of year.

You're telling me that a day ago Rask had an injury serious enough to justify missing a massively important game for this team in the standings and within a couple days he's good to go? Give me a break. I've been a supporter for years for Rask but this is ridiculous.

If both goalies are on their game there should be no competition on who gets the start. If Rask is seriously that hurt then rest him until Dobby loses badly. If not, let him get his **** together and earn it back.

I am telling you he has a nagging injury you will hear about at years end . He was pushed in to three in four nights and it flared up . If Cassidy was so impressed with khudobin that wouldn't have happened in the first place . Cassidy said before the nyi game rask should be at practice Monday

 

[PB37]

Look at it this way:

The Bruins will most likely have to go, at the very least, 5-2 for the rest of the season to sneak into the playoffs.

With the way the goalies have been playing, who do you feel more comfortable taking the majority of those starts to close out the season?

Last 5 starts

Goalie 1

1-4, .863 Save Pecentage, 3.00 GAA


Goalie 2

5-0, .922, 2.20 GAA


One has clearly been slumping while the other has been playing solid.

 

[Caper Bruins fan]

I don't wish for this

BUT if Rask plays the rest of the way and he stinks it up.... it will give Sweeney more incentive to trade him.... maybe even leave him unprotected come expansion draft

If Rask shakes off the webs, finishes strong and helps this team make the playoffs... then the 2-3 year "collapsing curse" is over....

BY not playing Rask and sticking with Khudobin.... well imagine if Khudobin loses. People are not going to get too crazy over this as he is getting paid what, 900k? But the Rask situation will remain unclear and his value will be drop

That's why you take it game by game . I don't think the Bruins would keep going with either goalie for long if they look bad . Start Dobby in the next game , if we lose , go back to Rask.

 

[smithformeragent]

"The most popular guy on every football team is the backup quarterback."

 

[Ratty]

That's why you take it game by game . I don't think the Bruins would keep going with either goalie for long if they look bad . Start Dobby in the next game , if we lose , go back to Rask.

Then, if Rask loses, go back to Dobby. Covered, whichever way you go.

 

[smithformeragent]

Felger Felgering re: Rask on Sports Final

 

[Mione134]

I go with Rask on a short leash.

Love Dobby but I don't trust him.


Granted at this point I don't trust Rask either, but I still roll with him. Without him even with his bad games, we're not even in the position to get IN the playoffs

 

[bruins repeat time]

Rask has actually played really really good in two of his last three starts lol you guys sound like he has been horrid every game . Now Edmonton was pretty bad and tbay was beyond bad buttttttttttt. He wasn't beaten by a shot against Toronto or Ottawa . I think some of you should go re-watch those two games and really watch the goals against him and the big saves he made .

 

[Daishi]

There's way too much irrational hatred towards one of our core players in these threads. The guy could very well be seriously injured, but people rather choose to believe he's a bum and a quitter. I guess people really enjoy the idea of a multimillionaire failing or struggling at something?

What irks me the most are these comments about him 'not having what it takes' to be star goalie. It's a ridiculous premise. He already made it. He made it in the big time. He won an olympic medal. He won a Vezina trophy. He got paid like the best goaltender in the league. None of this is in question anymore.

Now the only thing up to debate is if he's the best option for the remaining few games. Only the coaching staff can know that, because only they are fully in the know regarding injuries and other concerns.

Personally I think this is something us Bruins fans like to do for some twisted reason. I remember very clearly when he played with Thomas the fanbase on these boards was pretty much divided into two camps. The Thomas fans and the Rask fans, and both sides were hoping for the other goalie to have a bad game so they could come posting their inane ramblings how the guy is clearly over the hill or clearly doesn't have what it takes.

I just don't see why we can't support our players through thick and thin. Noone in their right mind can seriously argue that Rask is done as a starter in the league, so clearly he's in a funk that he has to work through. Price has been through those. So has Bob. So has Hank. Let's not drive our guy out of town before we're sure?