Boston Bruins buffs probably already know not to flatter Chad Johnson too much over his 18-save, 2-0 shutout of the Detroit Red Wings in last Saturday’s preseason action. It was merely one game, with relatively light action, at the hands of half-Red Wings, half-Grand Rapids Griffins.
There is only so much these tune-up tilts can do to forecast how much stability Johnson or any of his crease-time competitors can establish in 2013-14. It is one thing to peak at the right time in one’s preseason audition, but quite another to sustain one’s A-game at a new level throughout a six-month stretch.
Still, every little bit helps in terms of simulating an authentic, full-length NHL engagement. As the team’s Twitter account relayed on Monday, Bruins coach Claude Julien has sought to give each stopper “a chance to play a full game” over the exhibition slate.
It is a smart move on Julien’s part to deviate the preseason norm of having each of the two dressed goaltenders play split the minutes on a given night. This particular stable of candidates to back up established starter Tuukka Rask needs to promptly resume the ha ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Al Daniel
How Comfortable Should Boston Bruins Be with Options for Tuukka Rask’s Backup?
September 23rd, 2013 by Al Daniel Leave a reply »
Advertisement