Tuukka Rask came into training camp pegged as the favorite to become Tim Thomas’ new backup. And Rask has lived up to the billing.
The 22-year-old goaltender had another stellar performance (25 saves) against Montreal this past Sunday, while his competition for the backup spot, Dany Sabourin, struggled between the pipes against Columbus on Tuesday night, allowing five goals on 35 shots.
After honing his skills in the AHL the last two seasons — with spot NHL duty (including a 35-save shutout over the Rangers on Jan. 31) — Rask is ready to take the next step.
“I’m happy with the way I’ve played so far, but I’m going to keep working and trying to improve,” Rask told NESN.com recently. “I haven’t made it yet, but yeah, it feels good right now.”
Head coach Claude Julien has made it clear throughout camp that the job wouldn’t be handed to Rask. However, a decision is approaching, and two straight solid camps look to have sealed the deal for the youngster.
“We're getting down to three games here, and in those three games, Timmy has got to be able to play — he's only had the one outing," Julien told the media on Wednesday. "I think you can figure out things pretty good from there. We'll take time to talk with upper management and make sure we're all on the same page.”
Rask has made it hard for Julien and the Bruins’ brass to find any fault with the goalie’s game. With the exception of acknowledging his need to bulk up, there has been nothing but praise for the 21st overall pick in the 2005 NHL entry draft, who was drafted by the Maple Leafs and then acquired by the Bruins for goaltender Andrew Raycroft in 2006.
“I can't say enough about the way he's playing right now," Julien said after the Bruins’ 2-1 win over Montreal on Sunday. “He played extremely well. He was just as solid as you want him to be. He kept us in the game when we needed him to, and he deserves a lot of credit for this win.”
Thomas admitted that he hasn’t had much of a chance to see Rask play or to even sit and chat with him — because of the busy schedule and the fact that the two are playing in different groups in camp. But Thomas has always been impressed with Rask’s raw talent and believes his best days are ahead.
“Tuukka is Tuukka,” Thomas said. “We know the talent’s there. He’s a tall butterfly goalie that stands up when he’s down. It’s just a matter of time, and he needs to keep working hard. He has a bright future.”
Rask knows his dream of playing in the NHL regularly could be realized soon, but he also knows that if he wants to win 33 games a season like he did last season in Providence, he will need to get more durable and continue improving.
“I know I can play there, but to do it right and for a long time, I need to get bigger and keep working harder,” he said. “I’m just excited to be here and have this chance.”
