Tag Archives: jaroslav halak

Cassidy

Bruce Cassidy Deserving of Jack Adams Consideration

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Over the last two months the Boston Bruins have been on a historic run. They had earned at least a point in nineteen straight games before falling to Pittsburgh Sunday night. The last team to have a streak like that was the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2013-2014 season, when they won the Stanley Cup. During the Bruins impressive stretch many different players have stepped up. Their head coach Bruce Cassidy, however, has again proved why he is one of the best. In a season filled with adversity, he has guided the Bruins to second place in the Eastern Confrence.

While the Bruins entered the season with high expectations, it has been anything but easy. They have missed just about every key player for an extended time due to injuries . They have dealt with sophomore slumps and at times struggled offensively. Through it all, Cassidy has gotten the best out of his players.

For the past three weeks, Cassidy has been without his top goal scorer David Pastrnak, and for the past week Jake DeBrusk. As a result, Cassidy has had to be creative with his lines. Against Ottawa, he placed Chris Wagner on the Bruins top line midway through the game. Wagner rewarded his coach’s trust by scoring the tying goal. This is just one example of Cassidy showing his ability to make in-game adjustments to put this team in the best position to win.

Additionally, he has been patient with his young players as they battled Sophomore slumps. He has received a lot of criticism for his line pairings, but the Bruins offense has improved lately. The secondary scoring that was absent has shown up, as Heinen and DeBrusk have finally resembled the players they were last season. They have rewarded their coaches faith by performing well in top six roles.

Bruins Continue To Excel

Despite the shuffling lineups, the Bruins still have the ninth-best penalty kill, and second best power play unit. They have used 37 different players and improved as the season has progressed. That would cause most teams to fall of a cliff, but not this Bruins team. Cassidy has gotten his team to buy into the Bruins system, and as a result they have excelled.

For all these reasons Cassidy should be in the Jack Adams conversation. The award is given to coach who has contributed the most to his team’s success. Cassidy is more than deserving, as he has rarely had a healthy roster, forcing him to work with a depleted lineup. Regardless of the changing pieces this team continues to win.

Winning the award will not be easy, as Cassidy has steep competition. The other finalists will most likely be Bill Peters, Barry Trotz, and John Cooper. While Cassidy will again be in the conversation, Trotz Is the current favorite due to the Islanders success. Regardless of the results, what Cassidy has done this year has been truly impressive.


Vezina

Rask Proving He Is Vezina Worthy

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Over the past month, the Boston Bruins have been the hottest team in the NHL. They have earned at least a point in 17 straight games, as their last loss in regulation came on January 19th. During this stretch, many different players have stepped up, however none more than Tuukka Rask. After struggling mightily earlier this season, the Bruins number one goaltender has been on fire. He has not only silenced his critics, but made history during the Bruins impressive stretch.

After the Bruins victory over New Jersey last weekend Rask joined elite company. By extending his point streak to seventeen games, Rask became only the second goalie in NHL history to accomplish the feat twice in his career. Like last season Rask has carried this team for over a month as they now are tied for second in the NHL. As Rask has made history, he has also put himself in the Vezina conversation.

Through 36 games Rask is not leading the NHL in any categories. His goals against average rank is tied for tenth best, and his save percentage is tied for eleventh. That is due to how badly Rask began the season. While his numbers as a whole are not Vezina worthy, he has been playing at an elite level since late December.

Over the Bruins last sixteen games, Rask has thirteen wins and three loses, all of which came in overtime. In that span, he has an impressive goals against average of 1.99 and save percentage of .931. Rask also has two shutouts in that stretch, giving him three on the season. As the Bruins have been without their top goal scorer, Rask has shined in net. This streak has silenced his critics after a horrid start that had some questioning if he should still be the number one goalie in Boston.

Image result for tuukka rask
Photo Credit: CLNS Media Network

Even though Jaroslav Halak has continued to play well, Rask has reclaimed his job with authority. This has allowed the Bruins to have one of the best goalie tandems in the league. Keeping Rask fresh down the stretch, however, will be key as this team looks to make a deep postseason run.

During Rask’s record run he ranks near the top of every statistical category for goaltenders. When this team needed him at his best he has stepped up. While a second Vezina would be rewarding, the main goal for Rask is a championship. If he can continue his recent level of play, then he could be taking home some hardware at the end of the season.

For more Bruins news follow Jamie Gatlin on Twitter @JamieGatlin1217

Bruins vs Caps

Game Preview: Bruins vs Caps

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As the Hockey Gods continue to smile down upon the boys in Black and Gold, tonight’s match-up against the Washington Capital in Boston will prove to be a mighty test. Ovechkin and crew have managed to defeat Bergeron and Co. 13 straight times. Could tonight mark the end of the Bruins drought against Washington? For the surging Boston team, who are coming off a five game winning streak, things are heading in the right direction.

“The easiest way to beat a team you haven’t is to defend really well, keep the puck out of your net…”

Coach Bruce Cassidy

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy announced yesterday that goaltender Jaroslav Halak will get the start in net despite the recent hot play by Tuukka Rask. Halak had recently helped the Bruins break ANOTHER losing game streak against the Anaheim Ducks (nine to be specific). The Bruins won that game 3-1, and the thinking process is that once again Halak, who has certainly earned his stripes this season, will lead the charge against the Capitals.

Bruins vs Caps
(Photo Credits: (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)

GAME NOTES: BOSTON

The Bruins have now outscored their opponents 19-9 and have a healthy record of 25-14-4 and are 4-0 at home. The Washington Capitals, who are defending Stanley Cup Champions, have a record of 26-12-4 and currently sit at the 1st spot position in the Metro Division; Boston is in 3rd in the Atlantic, still two points behind Toronto.  Captain Alex Ovechkin leads the Caps in points with 47 and leads the league with 30 goals. David Pastrnak still leads the Bruins with 52 points, with Brad Marchand second at 47 points.

Boston is looking to win their sixth consecutive game tonight and is this close to being completely healthy. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy recently skated and looks to be making a return soon after finishing treatment for a foot infection, while Joakim Nordstrom is still out with fractured fibula.

QUICK STATS

The power trio of Bergeron, Marchand and Pastrnak has a combined to score 55 goals in 43 games. The Bruins power play is 3rd in the league at 28.5%, while the Capitals are in 10th in the league at 21.5%. Boston is 11th in the league for the power-kill at 81.1%, with Washington sitting a little lower in 22nd place at 78.0%

GAME NOTES: WASHINGTON

Tonight’s game marks the beginning of a four-game road trip for the Caps. They started the New Year with two losses, however recovered fairly quickly to win two straight. In their recent win against the Philadelphia Flyers, forward Jakub Vrana had a three-point game with two goals and one assist; a first for his NHL career. Goaltender Phoenix Copley made 37 saves for a career-high 10th win. The team leads the NHL in goals (61) and have defeated their Eastern Conference opponents 15 out of the their last 16 games played. Washington also has a 20-plus goal differential in the second period; a record that is second to Tampa Bay.

Bruins vs Caps
(Photo Credits: Patrick Smith/Getty Images )

Look for goaltender Braden Holtby to get the start tonight. In 29 games played, he has a .910 save percentage with a 2.89 GAA. Bruins goalie Jaroslav Halak currently has a .929 save percentage with a 2.36 GAA in 23 games; he is third in the league for save percentage.

WHEN: Tonight at TD Garden with puck drop at 7:00 PM

WHERE TO WATCH: ESPN +, NESN, NBCSWA

Cassidy

Cassidy Deserving Of Jack Adams Consideration

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Last season Bruce Cassidy was nearly named the best coach in the NHL.  He took over a Bruins team that was dead in the water in early February of 2017, and lead them to a playoff appearance.  He followed that up with a 100 point season and a second-round playoff appearance in his first full season at the helm.  This season, Cassidy’s skills have been tested as this team has yet to form an identity.  The Bruins have struggled to receive secondary scoring, but are still in a wildcard spot.  Cassidy has done well keeping this team competitive in the face of tremendous adversity.

They have already lost Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, and Charlie McAvoy for long stretches this season. Despite all the injuries, the Bruins are still on their way to a third consecutive playoff appearance.  It has been a season full of ups and downs, but this team has still found ways to win.  Under Cassidy, the Bruins young players have stepped up when needed most.

Cassidy

Photo Credit: John Tlumacki/ Globe Staff

Cassidy’s Impact On The Youth

This season the Bruins have already seen the NHL debuts of Connor Clifton, Jeremy Lauzon, and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson.  They have all given the Bruins solid minutes over the last month, as injuries pile up. Cassidy has kept things simple and not placed high expectations on his rookies.  He has put them in positions to succeed and rewarded their hard work.  His coaching style has positively affected the Bruins younger players, and their goaltenders as well.

With the addition of Jaroslav Halak, the Bruins have one of the best goalie tandems in the NHL.  Halak has thrived in his first season in Boston, after struggling last season with the Islanders.  He had the worst defensive group in front of him in New York, which has not been the case in Boston.  Cassidy’s system suits Halak, as it keeps everything in front of the goaltender.  What was seen as a low-risk signing has turned into one of this team’s best free-agent pickups.

Cassidy

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Under Cassidy, Tuukka Rask has played his best hockey in recent years.  Last season the Bruins goaltender finished with a .917 save percentage, which was skewed due to a rough first month of the season.  That has been the same case this season, as Rask has recovered from a slow start to be considerably better over the last month.  Cassidy’s system puts his goaltenders in the best positions to succeed, and as a result they have thrived.

Can Cassidy Repeat Last Seasons Success

In what has been a season full of highs and lows, the Bruins have been dominant of late.  In their last two games, they have outscored their opponents 7-1.  That is particularly impressive, considering both Montreal and Anaheim would be in the playoffs if the season ended today.  With Bergeron set to return within the next week, the team will only get better.  Despite all the challenges the team has faced, they are well on their way to another playoff appearance.  There is still a lot of hockey to be played, but Cassidy has again shown why he is one of the best in the league, as he has kept an injury-riddled roster in the playoff mix.

Boston Bruins vs Arizona Coyotes

Game Preview: Boston Bruins vs Arizona Coyotes

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The Boston Bruins return home to the TD Garden to face the Arizona Coyotes after winning back to back games.  The Bruins are now 16-10 while the Coyotes are 13-13.  They currently sit near the bottom of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference.  Boston is in fourth, holding on to first place in the wild card race in the Atlantic Division.  The Bruins welcomed back Charlie McAvoy for the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where Boston flexed their muscle to win 6-3.  In the game against the Leafs the Bruins would see goals from six different players.  Jarolslav Halak made 29 saves in net, while defenseman Torey Krug scored his 1st goal of the season.

Image result for boston bruins vs arizona coyotes

(Photos Credits: AP Photo/Ralph Freso)

BACK TO BACK

Less than 24 hours later, the Bruins traveled to Ottawa as they faced the Senators for the third time this season.  The Senators opened up the game when Mark Stone scored, putting Ottawa up 1-0.  Bruins’ Brad Marchand, however, would answer back in the second, when he scored at 7:49 off a rebound on a power play, making it 1-1.  Marchand, for his part, would have a season high nine shots.  As the game headed into overtime, it would be defenseman Torey Krug who would come out the victor as he scored at 3:07, scoring the 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators.  David Pastrnak leads the team with 35 points, with Brad Marchand second with 29 points.  Pasta is currently fourth in the league with goals (20).

Image result for boston bruins vs arizona coyotes

(Photo Credits Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

ARIZONA

With tonight’s game, Arizona will start their four-game road trip as travel to face the Bruins.  The ‘Yotes are coming in on a three-game winning streak, and if they win tonight it will be their first four-game winning streak since 2011.  Arizona’s goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who had previously been out eight games due to a lower-body injury, is looking to make his return tonight.  Goalie Antti Raanta is out indefinitely due to a lower-body injury.  Forward/Center Clayton Keller leads the team in points with 20, netting eight goals with 12 assists.  Niklas Hjalmarsson will play his 700th NHL game tonight and is currently leading the ‘Yotes in blocked shots with 56.  Arizona is looking to end a 13 game losing streak against Boston, with their last win against the B’s in the 2010-2011 season.

The last time these two teams met, Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak had a great night in net when he made 32 saves and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson scored his first NHL goal.  Halak is expected in net tonight, however as of this writing this morning’s rush had not been published.

WHEN: Tonight with puck drop at 7:00 PM, TD Garden

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, FS-A PLUS

Bruins versus Edmonton

Boston Bruins Win 4-1 Against Oilers

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Game Two at The Garden

There were hits, glass shattering, and highlight reel goals last night at the Garden as the Boston Bruins hosted the Edmonton Oilers. And that wasn’t even the story of the day leading up to the game. Some fans in Bruins nation scratched their heads as Ryan Donato was listed as a healthy scratch, while newbie (to the team) Joakim Nordstrom was bumped up to the second line. Was the move going to pan out? Safe to say, Coach Bruce Cassidy knows what he’s doing. Like most young players, the shuffling would serve as a good way to re-assess what the team needs for Donato to work on. For the young winger, it would mean a chance to watch the game and gain a better perspective on his own skills.  And having someone fast as Nordstrom would add that important element needed in the Krejci line.

OILERS STRIKE FIRST

In the first opening period at 3:43, McDavid would score putting Edmonton first on the board. The Bruins drew a powerplay that led to a beautiful and nasty Pastrnak goal that tied the game at 1-1. Boston would extend their lead when Brad Marchand netted a wrist shot at 14:37. About 37 seconds later, Nordstrom would score his first goal as a Bruin, cushioning the lead 3-1 by the end of the first.

The second period saw some rough hits courtesy of the Black and Gold. Bruins Defenseman Kevin Miller threw gloves down and fought Oilers left wing Jujhar Khaira. Center Sean Kuraly had a huge hit about 10 minutes into the second, sending Oilers Matt Benning over the boards, shattering the entire glass. Edmonton did try to rally back when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tried to squeak one in at 7:42 but Halak made the save with Zdeno Chara clearing the puck. With 35 seconds left in the third, Patrice Bergeron would score an empty-net goal, making the final score 4-1.

QUICK STATS

Boston Bruins defeat Edmonton Oilers

(Photo Credits: Mary Schwalm / AP )

Bruins Goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 25 saves while Oilers goaltender Cam Talbot made 28 saves. The power trio of Pastrnak, Marchand, and Bergeron all scored one goal last night along with Joakim Nordstrom. Matt Grzelcyk tallied up two assists for the night. Oilers Conor McDavid scored the only goal of the night for his team. The Bruins had 32 shots on goal while the Oilers had 26 shots. The win over Edmonton extends Boston’s winning streak to three games.

Next Up: The Bruins will host the Detroit Red Wings this Saturday afternoon at the Garden with puck drop at 3:00 pm

 

For more Bruins news, follow me on Twitter @pastagrll88

 

Boston Bruins Zdeno Chara

Boston Bruins vs Sabres: Redemption in Buffalo

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Boston Bruins forwards Brad Marchand (63) and David Pastrnak (88) celebrate a goal during the second period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, in Buffalo N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Photo Credits: AP

Last night the Boston Bruins beat the Sabres 4-0 after having a disastrous showing the night before against the Washington Capitals. The black and gold brought more physicality, won more puck battles and had a good amount of zone time down in Buffalo’s end. The season opener saw the Bruins play with a lack of effort, but thanks to the core group of veterans, they were able to bounce back the next night.

Captain Zdeno Chara put the Bruins up on the board in the first at 6:33, making it 1-0. Taking a pass from winger Brad Marchand, Chara was able to capitalize and finish the quick sequence. David Pastrnak drew a slash penalty that gave the Bruins the power play leading to a Ryan Donato goal, making it 2-0 in the first period.

WON PUCK BATTLES

With the start of the second period, the Bruins kept pushing forward as Buffalo tried to play catch up, putting up some minutes down Boston end. The second period also saw Sean Kuraly skating up the ice with a potential breakaway goal that was stopped in net. Charlie McAvoy blocked a hard shot forcing him off the ice for a few moments. David Pastrnak netted his first goal of the season late in the second, while Marchand and Krecji picked up the winning assists.

FINAL MINUTES

With about five minutes left in the third, the Sabres pulled goalie Carter Hutton, giving them an extra man advantage. Unfortunately for Buffalo, the Bruins would put the nail in the coffin as Patrice Bergeron scored an empty net goal making the final score 4-0. Bruins newly acquired back-up goalie Jaroslav Halak continued to play solid with a calm demeanor in net, making 32 saves in his first shutout of the season. Brad Marchand ended the night tallying up four assists.

Coach Bruce Cassidy did not have the team skate Thursday morning, instead they underwent a film session to discuss what needs to be fixed prior to the game against Buffalo. He put a specific emphasis on the need to put more effort on ice.

“It was big. We talked about it and obviously that’s our job to lead this team. Another home opener and we knew that we had to be playing way harder than we did (on Wednesday night)-Zdeno Chara

Bruins forward Brad Marchand after the game:

“We had a pretty good game. We didn’t have a great third but Jaro did a great job shutting the door.But it’s great to get a good win after a night like (Wednesday) night, on a back-to-back with the travels. It was good, but we still have a lot to work on and improve upon. We’ll take the positives from this and keep working.”

The Bruins will play the Ottawa Senator in Boston for their season opener this Monday @ 1:00pm

 

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