It’s Tuukka time as Bruins try to make it 4 straight vs. Leafs
Rask/By S. Bradley
BOSTON — Bruins head coach Claude Julien has opted to go with Tuukka Rask in net instead of the red-hot Tim Thomas against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the TD Garden.
Thomas has won nine in a row.
Rask will face the team that originally drafted him and get a start for the first time since last Friday against Detroit. Against the Leafs in his career, Rask is 5-1-0 with a 1.76 goals-against average and .946 save percentage.
The Bruins are 3-0-0 against the Leafs this season with an aggregate score of 19-5.
I think the fans deserve some credit for making Tuuka feel like he’s appreciated. That has to help when you’re sitting behind Timmy. Well done by the Garden faithful.
Here’s the the funny intro to the article:
http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2011/12/02/so-who-would-have-won-the-barn-fight-burke-vs-lowe/
George,
The feud between Burke and Lowe over Dustin Penner comes to mind. For those that don’t remember it, its back in the news. The funny part is that Lowe stated he never knew about the match.
So, while clubs have since avoided “offer sheets” to RFA’s it would be interesting to see what the new CBA does with RFA’s.
http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/2011/12/02/brian-burke-plotted-to-fight-kevin-lowe-in-a-barn-but-bettman-put-an-end-to-it/
Bruins 16,
Boychuck was the #1 star last night, so you don’t have to be disappointed any more! They played a great game last night, although the building was really pretty quiet last night, until some TOR fans started a “go Leafs go!” chant, which was rather quickly drowned out and never started again. Fun game all around.
Bojangles
Your last paragraph, especially, was definitely on the mark. I think this year’s B’s are stronger than last year’s Cup winners. We can play anyway the opposition wants! I watched Calgary vs. Edmonton last night, after the Bruins game, and I think we take it for granted how good our defensive corps is. Based on ice time and use at critical situations, it looks like Julien’s depth chart is as follows; 1–Chara, 2–Sidenberg, 3–Boychuk, and 4–Ference. All of the top three would be number 1′s on those two teams, and Ference would get as much ice time as anyone. McQuaid would probably be in the top two pairing of either team. Corvo’s play has improved as well.
I was disappointed that neither Boychuk or Peverly were not one of the game stars. Boychuk’s hits against the Leafs were similar to the one’s he and Sidenberg, and to a lesser degree Chara, dished out against the Canucks last year. I think the physical play of our defence did not get enough recognition during our play-off run last year, nor this year with our awesome November. Peverly’s hustle and play-making were excellent. He seems to give us a lift every night. He contributed on the penalty kill as well. Lucic should have received some consideration for his outstanding play along the boards.
Rask makes 1.25 now, is a RFA next year, but Thomas is signed only thru next year. You gotta wonder if Rask settles for maybe double for a one-year contract to see what happens when Thomas is up, or if he decides to sign something closer to what Stu suggests. Question – would Rask be a RFA again if he only reupped for one year?
No matter what – Rask is a priority. You simply can’t let guys like this go b/c the risk is too great that we’ll end up with a bunch of Raycrofts, Randfords, Lachers et al while on the hunt for a replacement. Goalie is too important.
Interesting listening to the Toronto commentators last night – they say the same things about their club that Bs fans do here. Toronto fans are out of touch – plain and simple. That club is exciting if given the space, but they are proving pretty one dimensional. That’s the beauty of the Bs – they can dominate you physically, or they can out skate you (save for a few clubs). But its their ability to play against their opponent, and not simply play their game that makes them so formidable. Love this club.
It will be interesting to see what happens to Tuukka after this season. I’ve read that his salary is 1.25mil, and there is no doubt he probably wants a raise and a chance at a starting job. How long will Thomas be one of the best in the league? IMO next offseason Rask could be one of those rare players that gets an offer sheet from another team so desperate for a goalie they are willing to give up the draft pick compensation, maybe a team like Columbus. It should be really interesting if Rask makes it to the off season without a deal done.
Tuukka seems like a real team guy. No doubt he wants to be the no.1, but if there was a guy who would be willing to ease into the role he’s the one. I hope Chia can get him locked into a three year deal for an affordable amount. Maybe 3.5 million. They will have to give him a raise on his 2.5 now, especially if the idea is for him to take the role of starter by the end of the contract.
B’s playing great obviously. Loved the standing O by the fans at the end. The true test will be against the Pens.
Great win. This team looks fantastic right now, and I still think they could play better hockey.
Side note: Miller gets run by Jordan Tootoo tonight. Ruff is already whining (big surprise there), how long until the Montreal media/fans blame this on the Bruins? I put the over/under at 1 seconds.
Two U’s, two K’s, and money again tonight.
I’m really interested to see what type of deal gets done with Tuukka; I’m pretty sure most want him locked in long term, but it’ll be interesting to see what type of money that would require. My guess is we’ll probably see something in the 2-3 year range again. Get ‘er done, PC!