News Article: FLUTO: Bruins’ Tuukka Rask not playing like a No. 1 goalie

[LouJersey]

He's arguably been the worst goalie in the league since January 1st.

Does anyone think this team is so bad that it explains away a 7 million dollar goalie being the worst netminder in the league?

31 gp
2.86 gaa
.888 sv ptcg

Nauseating.

 

[EverettMike]

31 gp
2.86 gaa
.888 sv ptcg

Nauseating.

Probably okay if this were 1987.

:goes to check:

Oh, yeah, those numbers would be phenomenal 30 years ago!

 

[Boston Bruno]

I find myself saying "you gotta stop that one"" with more frequency - but I am also saying "you gotta finish that hit" or "you dont just toss that puck to the open wing on a prayer" or "someone cover for rebounds" ETC ETC.


This is not just a Rask problem at all.

Do I feel comfortable using him as a #1 goalie of late? He should give us the best chance at winning. Really we cant do anything else about it so support the guy and lets go. 8 games to go.

 

[ON3M4N]

"The best goalies act like erasers."

Rask has erased plenty of this team's mistakes this season.
He's stolen games that they have had no business winning.

He essentially kept them afloat the first quarter of the season.
I looked at his games played and he's fourth with 59.

Not a huge number, but ideally you'd like to see a bit more of a split.
They've leaned heavily on him.
Too heavily.

Pretty much spot on. When you really look at this defense, Rask is being ask to take a below average defense and make them above average. Guys are being asked to play above their talent level.

Chara = Not a #1 anymore, ideally he's a 2nd pairing guy
Carlo = 20 yr old rookie asked to play top pairing minutes
Krug = On a cup contender is a 3rd pairing guy
Quaider = 3rd pairing guy
Killer = 3rd pairing guy/7th forward
Chiller = 3rd pairing OFD

I mean how many goalies in the NHL can make a defense like that look above average. Our top pairing is a 40yr old and a rookie, that's how **** poor our defensive depth is.

I'll also say this, since the Nashville game Rask hasn't been the same. That shot he took may have done more damage then the B's are letting people know.

Pre Nashville
21-9-3 / 1.97 GAA / .926 SV%

Post Nashville
12-12-1 / 2.98 GAA / .886 SV%​

I won't be shocked if it comes out after the year that Rask was playing through something.

 

[ODAAT]

Cassidy called out Tuukka and rightly so here

http://bigbadblog.weei.com/sports/b...fter-loss-tuukka-needed-to-be-better-tonight/

Time for those who get the big bucks to start playing like it. I think they are done, just didn`t like the body language nor response to the losses before this game but Tuukka was horrific last night

 

[ODAAT]

Pretty much spot on. When you really look at this defense, Rask is being ask to take a below average defense and make them above average. Guys are being asked to play above their talent level.

Chara = Not a #1 anymore, ideally he's a 2nd pairing guy
Carlo = 20 yr old rookie asked to play top pairing minutes
Krug = On a cup contender is a 3rd pairing guy
Quaider = 3rd pairing guy
Killer = 3rd pairing guy/7th forward
Chiller = 3rd pairing OFD

I mean how many goalies in the NHL can make a defense like that look above average. Our top pairing is a 40yr old and a rookie, that's how **** poor our defensive depth is.

I'll also say this, since the Nashville game Rask hasn't been the same. That shot he took may have done more damage then the B's are letting people know.

Pre Nashville
21-9-3 / 1.97 GAA / .926 SV%

Post Nashville
12-12-1 / 2.98 GAA / .886 SV%​

I won't be shocked if it comes out after the year that Rask was playing through something.

and if he wasn`t playing through something then what?

 

[ON3M4N]

Cassidy called out Tuukka and rightly so here

http://bigbadblog.weei.com/sports/b...fter-loss-tuukka-needed-to-be-better-tonight/

Time for those who get the big bucks to start playing like it. I think they are done, just didn`t like the body language nor response to the losses before this game but Tuukka was horrific last night

So was the defense, but I don't see anyone calling out Chara or Krug (whom has suddenly started heeling every shot and failing to keep a puck in the offensive zone)

 

[ON3M4N]

and if he wasn`t playing through something then what?

Have to think that shot rattled him and that's not a good sign going forward.

 

[BruinDust]

Pre Nashville
21-9-3 / 1.97 GAA / .926 SV%

Post Nashville
12-12-1 / 2.98 GAA / .886 SV%​

I won't be shocked if it comes out after the year that Rask was playing through something.

Good find sir. You may be onto something here.

 

[ON3M4N]

Good find sir. You may be onto something here.

I wouldn't have really thought of it, but about a month ago I was watching a game and Rask kept pulling his head down and shrugging his shoulders on shots up high (protecting his neck/collar bone area). I thought it was strange because I couldn't recall him doing that much. That's when I remembered he took a puck to the neck/collar bone in NSH and I figured what the hell and ran the numbers.

Was actually really surprised to see how much a difference there was.

 

[Aeroforce]

I'm just getting tired of the excuses.

The team has been done by mid April the last two years; they had a late season bye period (in which Rask let us know his vacation plans were in jeopardy because his flight would be delayed); Khudobin has been able to win some games, thus relieving some pressure. So exactly how much more rest does he need?

Cassidy is coaching for his life right now. If he plays Khudobin now and the team disintegrates, he's done, possibly for good as a head coach. So Rask now must play. If 4-6 points had been achieved in the last 4, this is less of an issue.

The defense is sub-par. Chara isn't his HOF self, so comparatively speaking he may seem not-so-good anymore. But he's still an effective defender. The team ranks high in possession, and I get that possession and defense are not the same thing. But when your team has the puck more, it's on the goalie to make saves, even of the highlight reel variety. Timely saves and timely wins do exist, and we aren't getting much of either.

The Bolts were playing without 3 centers, and with a goalie that wasn't even in the league not too long ago. And Budaj outplayed Rask in the third period.

Do I wish Rask would throw a tantrum? Well, partly, but that's just because it would reassure me to know he's as p***ed off about this as the fans. But it accomplishes nothing. I don't have evidence that he's just happy cashing big checks, but his body language suggests it. But that's not enough for me to convict him.

 

[ON3M4N]

I'm just getting tired of the excuses.

The team has been done by mid April the last two years; they had a late season bye period (in which Rask let us know his vacation plans were in jeopardy because his flight would be delayed); Khudobin has been able to win some games, thus relieving some pressure. So exactly how much more rest does he need?

Cassidy is coaching for his life right now. If he plays Khudobin now and the team disintegrates, he's done, possibly for good as a head coach. So Rask now must play. If 4-6 points had been achieved in the last 4, this is less of an issue.

The defense is sub-par. Chara isn't his HOF self, so comparatively speaking he may seem not-so-good anymore. But he's still an effective defender. The team ranks high in possession, and I get that possession and defense are not the same thing. But when your team has the puck more, it's on the goalie to make saves, even of the highlight reel variety. Timely saves and timely wins do exist, and we aren't getting much of either.

The Bolts were playing without 3 centers, and with a goalie that wasn't even in the league not too long ago. And Budaj outplayed Rask in the third period.

Do I wish Rask would throw a tantrum? Well, partly, but that's just because it would reassure me to know he's as p***ed off about this as the fans. But it accomplishes nothing. I don't have evidence that he's just happy cashing big checks, but his body language suggests it. But that's not enough for me to convict him.

He beat NJD/VAN/LAK...two of those teams are in the bottom 5 of the standings and the Kings are almost bottom 10. Yes, he had a good game against CGY, but the team played great also.

I don't put much stock in Dobby being able to play well against some of the worst team in the NHL.

As far as Rask's demeanor, he used to get roasted when he smashed sticks against the boards or looked at his d-men like "WTF"...now he tries to stay calm and take the blame and fans want him to show emotion

 

[Mr. Make-Believe]

...

Is anyone blaming Rask 100%? Anyone? I don't see it.

Criticizing his play? Totally valid. He hasn't played like a consistent starter in 2017, let alone an elite one like he's expected to be.

And you won't find a bigger fan of his than I.

 

[EverettMike]

...

Is anyone blaming Rask 100%? Anyone? I don't see it.

Criticizing his play? Totally valid. He hasn't played like a consistent starter in 2017, let alone an elite one like he's expected to be.

And you won't find a bigger fan of his than I.

Your proper pronoun usage is a ray of sunshine during these bleak days.

 

[ON3M4N]

...

Is anyone blaming Rask 100%? Anyone? I don't see it.

Criticizing his play? Totally valid. He hasn't played like a consistent starter in 2017, let alone an elite one like he's expected to be.

And you won't find a bigger fan of his than I.

Is that a challenge

 

[PlayMakers]

.876 is bad, that's for sure, but if you're looking at the save percentage during a massive losing streak, what are you expecting to find except confirmation bias?

What do I expect? I expect a star player who's paid to be a difference maker fighting against the tide. That's how teams break losing streaks. Their best players step up and make a difference. They lead with great play when everyone else is struggling. It's looking like Rask is going to make three years in a row, where he's done the exact opposite.

Goalies on teams that play like crap have bad stats...

And yet, Buffalo has been fighting for last place in our division all year and they have two goalies with .920+ save percents. Last year, Cam Talbot and James Reimer played for the two worst teams in the league but they both had better save pcts than Rask. It may not be commonplace to post good numbers on bad teams, but they don't pay Rask $7m to be commonplace.

And let's not pretend the Bruins are a dumpster fire defensively. They allow fewer shots than almost every other team in the NHL. As someone pointed out earlier, they also do a good job of limiting shots from right in front. I don't think anyone would be disappointed with Rask if he allowed 6 goals on 6 breakaways but that's not what's happening, he's getting beat on shots from outside the dots, and shots from out high. Goals that when he's playing well, he makes look like easy saves.

 

[Fenway]

I'll also say this, since the Nashville game Rask hasn't been the same. That shot he took may have done more damage then the B's are letting people know.

Pre Nashville
21-9-3 / 1.97 GAA / .926 SV%

Post Nashville
12-12-1 / 2.98 GAA / .886 SV%​

I won't be shocked if it comes out after the year that Rask was playing through something.

The numbers don't lie

 

[Aeroforce]

Let's say the Nashville game is the smoking gun, and that's his legitimate 'excuse.'

If there was more to it than the front office was letting on, shouldn't the front office be held accountable for not addressing it, kinda like the Kings did acquiring Bishop?

Lots of time between January 12 and the February 28 TDL if there was a problem the team was concealing. And with the woes they were experiencing with backups, they could have kicked the tires with other GM's without tipping their hand that Rask was injured.

 

[Glove Malfunction]

I think that's a fair point. Let me look at the bottom dwellers. Be interesting to see what they look like.

I think it might be more telling to compare a team's performance with the starter compared to the backup. I'd bet the difference for the Bruins would be among the worst in the league.

 

[Glove Malfunction]

Rask is paid like an elite goalie. Tim Thomas played above his pay grade. Rask isn't playing up to his.

If Rask was paid 5-6 million, the backlash wouldn't be as bad. He overall has average numbers over a full season, for various reasons. But unfortunately, he is one of the highest paid goalies.

Are you new to this place?

 

[Glove Malfunction]

Your proper pronoun usage is a ray of sunshine during these bleak days.

Hahaha! I had to think about it, but then I thought the same thing!

 

[Jamison]

Hello - new player here - been lurking for a while and love the game day threads.

I was impelled to sign up just now to ask the question: What about Malcolm Subban? Have we (Bruins) given up on him? Wasn't he supposed to be ready by now. I know he got shelled in two NHL starts - is he never going to make it here? If not, why still carry him?

 

[dredeye]

This is a hard reality many here are going to have to come to terms with. Yes, he won a Vezina but he is not that goalie anymore. Time to figure out the next move for goaltending and go in that direction. It may take time but it has to be done to avoid another collapse next season.

Four years left on his contract. There is no other solution for some time

 

[Fenway]

Hello - new player here - been lurking for a while and love the game day threads.

I was impelled to sign up just now to ask the question: What about Malcolm Subban? Have we (Bruins) given up on him? Wasn't he supposed to be ready by now. I know he got shelled in two NHL starts - is he never going to make it here? If not, why still carry him?

Subban suffered a bad injury last year and some think he hasn't recovered mentally from it.

https://www.nhl.com/news/malcolm-subban-injured/c-278484796

 

[00BW]

The numbers don't lie

You're right, this is probably what changed. It seems to not be physical with a concussion so that leaves mental. This could either be good (quick recovery) or really bad (long time to return to elite form if ever).

I remember that cup run and the Bs defense made lots of good plays but they also gave up a number of boneheaded open looks. However, they got great 'timely' saves plus freak saves like Ryder's. You need the timely saves to build momentum. What was it last night, 44 sec, 24 sec, and 95 sec the lead lasted?

And Thomas played 57 regular season and all 25 post season games. Rask is at 59 with just 8 games to go so he won't have played as many as Thomas did so I don't know why the complaints about workload. Sure, you would hope your starter is fresher going into a cup run but we all know a deep cup run isn't happening. So it becomes a real problem if he cannot handle an above average workload.