Post-Game Talk: GAME #54 - 148 weeks and 4 days since B's have beaten Caps | Washington 5 BRUINS 3 F

[Greek_physique]

Rask's best seasons were assisted by better defensemen.

I think every goalie can say that......but in those previous years our offense was so much better too.

Some nights I feel like if we get scored upon first...we're done!

 

[Trap Jesus]

Bruins vs. Caps almost seems worse than a lot of the Bruins vs. Canadiens seasons where the Habs dominated. I think it goes beyond Washington being a top team; Holtby was in their head, and now that whole team is in their head.

 

[LouJersey]

Agree, top him out at 60 depending on how many back-2-backs there are. But that's it, 55 is an ideal number.

You can look at the finish of almost every Tuukka season, and fatigue played a factor. Simply put, everyone's body chemistry is different and perhaps fatigue affects him more than others. Like you said he's tall but slight.

Even the great Braeden Holtby looked fairly pedestrian in the last two playoffs after being over-worked in the regular season.

What's troubling is this is the 3rd consecutive year they have encountered this issue, and management seems to either not realize the problem, or be incapable of fixing it.

I just always go back to 12-13.

Solid regular season in 36 games, only 3 or more goals in ten of them. Games 37-43 were spotty. 44-55 were fantastic, and then 56-58 were really not his best

He did have a nice end of 2015 in his defense.

 

[BruinDust]

I just always go back to 12-13.

Solid regular season in 36 games, only 3 or more goals in ten of them. Games 37-43 were spotty. 44-55 were fantastic, and then 56-58 were really not his best

Yup. I also think that having that short 5 game series with the Rangers, which was short and gave him a decent rest, allowed him to be at his best in the Pittsburgh series where he was lights out. But eventually fatigue started to play a larger factor. Don't get me wrong, it's a factor for every goaltender, just some more than others.

It is what it is. It's a reality with this player and it needs to be managed. Unfortunately the management team hasn't really given the coaching staff the tools needed (i.e. a trusted back-up) to manage his minutes effectively the last 3 seasons.

 

[LouJersey]

Bruins vs. Caps almost seems worse than a lot of the Bruins vs. Canadiens seasons where the Habs dominated. I think it goes beyond Washington being a top team; Holtby was in their head, and now that whole team is in their head.

Physically Washington has taken it to them body wise the past couple of years it seems as well. Bruins kinda play like shrinking violets vs them now.

 

[SToMper!]

I respect your opinion's ODAAT, and let's be honest, if this team and coaching staff had any confidence at all in the back-up goaltender, we aren't even having this discussion. That to me, is the real problem, going back 3 years now.

This.

Used to be 3-4 years ago the team would play better for the backups. Anton, Chad Johnson etc. Had a better D corps and could play with confidence. The Miller's, McQuaid, etc aren't giving Rask/Khudobin any help this year. Can't ride Rask as we KNOW that's a failed strategy. Should have been addressed with real backup goalie development. Thomas had Rask. Rask has had.....

 

[bbfan419]

When it comes to former Blues players, I wish the Bruins had gotten Oshie instead of Backes.

 

[BruinDust]

This.

Used to be 3-4 years ago the team would play better for the backups. Anton, Chad Johnson etc. Had a better D corps and could play with confidence. The Miller's, McQuaid, etc aren't giving Rask/Khudobin any help this year. Can't ride Rask as we KNOW that's a failed strategy. Should have been addressed with real backup goalie development. Thomas had Rask. Rask has had.....

The plan I think was Subban. I know I would of anticipated a 1st round pick goaltender being ready for NHL back-up duty by at least his 4th pro season (this one), if not his 3rd.

The fact the Subban is now in his 4th pro season and cannot be trusted to even call-up for spot duty is where the goaltending plan for the Bruins really went off the rails.

But that's neither here nor there. Something needs to be done for this team to have any chance at the playoffs this season.

 

[nickyb]

Any updates on Rask or Bergeron???

 

[chizzler]

Physically Washington has taken it to them body wise the past couple of years it seems as well. Bruins kinda play like shrinking violets vs them now.

They are just a big team. Bruins aren't so big these days.

 

[bruinmann77]

wash is big and fast.

 

[bruinmann77]

I just hope DS does not try to make a dumb trade now

 

[Orrfourever]

Crap the Bruins lost to the top club in the league. Get'em next time.
As far as Tuukka going back2back. You don't keep your best horse in the barn on derby day. Tuukka gives them they're best chance at points, even if he's not 100%. Just my 2 cents
Next up Leo Komarov and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Go Bruins!!!

 

[Otherworld]

^ Then he pulls his groin .....

Bye Bye season.

Not the best plan.

 

[Orrfourever]

^ You pays your money you takes your chances. I don't get why todays NHL goalies can't play back to back. I mean they're supposedly in better condition these days eat better have goalie coaches and better equipment. I don't get it, I'm sorry.

 

[northeastern]

Crap the Bruins lost to the top club in the league. Get'em next time.
As far as Tuukka going back2back. You don't keep your best horse in the barn on derby day. Tuukka gives them they're best chance at points, even if he's not 100%. Just my 2 cents
Next up Leo Komarov and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Go Bruins!!!

This is a marathon not a sprint. Tuukkas long term health is critical if the bruins have any hopes. Winning one game isn't worth losing tuukka. In my opinion he shouldn't have played last night at all.

 

[Orrfourever]

^Are you watching the standings? Them points are huge. Now they play the Leafs. I guess they will start Mac cause it's his turn. With 29 games to go.

 

[Sheppy]

Bruins will lose to the Leafs tomorrow.

 

[itsablurr]

That's on Don Sweeney.He has failed 2 straight years to find a quality backup to depend on.Rask is worked like a dog ..

That's part of the problem... Sweens shouldn't be looking for a quality backup, the team needs a second starter.

 

[BruinsFan64]

Bruins will lose to the Leafs tomorrow.

Nope, no way the Bruins lose to the leafs tomorrow, just no way..........


They don't play until Saturday

 

[DarrenBanks56]

Bruins will lose to the Leafs tomorrow.

I have that feeling too.
Feeling another one of those Islander/Devils type games.
Probably lose 4-1. We'll breakup the shutout late in the 3rd.

 

[Noweare]

Having watched Krug closely tonight, I would have to say that those who think he is overvalued are out to lunch. He is so good at advancing the puck that he barely has to defend. His positioning is tremendous, and he makes great decisions/reads all over the ice. He made several seeing eye passes today that could have resulted in goals. He is really good.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Noweare]

Me either. And his contract is absolutely relevant. You don't spend money like that on a#1 goalie who can't play. He's been fully rested (he didn't do squat during the All Star break) and the TBL game was not a difficult outing. The team needs him right now more than ever. He should be able to deliver.

The team has needed him all year and he has come through. They at least need a backup who can win a few games to give him a break now and then. But, it looks like they haven't found one yet.

 

[BNHL]

I think every goalie can say that......but in those previous years our offense was so much better too.

Some nights I feel like if we get scored upon first...we're done!

Absolutely,every goalie can say that. But I think Claude's system is a big help to goalies and he had a fairly formidable defense 4 years ago and beyond.

 

[vjcsmoke]

Brought back down to earth. You knew with this team that it was going to happen sooner or later.

We still are not build to beat the teams that have our number. The Canadiens, the Caps, you can count them as automatic losses.

This team has remained stagnant for too long. It's time for changes. I'm all about cleaning house at the end of this season. Because this lingering mediocrity cannot stand, it's gonna start stinking soon!