Tuukka Rask Shines in Boston

One can excuse Toronto Maple Leafs fans for shaking their collective heads in total frustration while uttering a few obscenities whenever Boston Bruins up and coming goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask has a good game. In a few years from now former Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr. just might be remembered for trading this blue chip prospect away on June 24, 2006 for an average at best older goaltender named Andrew Raycroft who was out of Toronto after only two seasons. Rask who, is only 22 years old is coming off a solid season with the Providence Bruins that saw him post a 2.50 GAA and a .915 save percentage. So far this fall Rask who, was chosen first round in 2005 by the Leafs has won three of four games. Trying to earn a spot as the backup he has turned heads and made a bold statement when on September 15 he turned aside 31 shots that led to a 2-1 victory against the New York Rangers. “The number of shots (Rask) got, and how he handled some of those pucks…there was a lot of traffic in front of him, and he found ways to find the puck,” Bruins coach Claude Julien said. That was certainly one of the bright spots.” On Sunday night Rask once again had Leafs fans muttering as he made 25 saves in beating the Montreal Canadiens 2-1 in Quebec City. For the record Raycroft is now in competition for the backup spot with the Vancouver Canucks. Scoring for Boston on Sunday were forwards Michael Ryder and Chuck Kobasew. Scoring for Montreal was Josh Gorges. You can bet that Leafs fans will be keeping close tabs on the progress of Rask and how his NHL career turns out.