NHL Playoffs 2021: 3 reasons Bruins will win the Stanley Cup
1. The x-factor
Goaltending can make or break teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. No position in hockey has the power that a goalie has. As wonderful as Connor McDavid, if one of his teammates leaves an opponent open in the slot, he can’t magically make up for it. However, a goalie can. Goalies erase mistakes. They’re the only ones with that power in hockey.
Tuukka Rask has battled injuries this season, but when he has been healthy, he’s been excellent. His track record is a very impressive one and thus far this season, he has a .919 save percentage, including a 92.39 mark at 5v5.
However, Rask is getting up there in age and, as I said earlier, his health has been a question mark this season. The Bruins have some options in net in case something goes wrong. Jaroslav Halak is the veteran option. He has a decent postseason resume with a career .919 save percentage in 39 playoff games.
Next. 3 Reasons Leafs Will Win The Stanley Cup. dark
That said, Jeremy Swayman could be the guy who gets the nod if something happens with Rask. Swayman has been red hot this season, posting an eye-popping .942 save percentage in eight games. While he might be lacking in experience, sometimes riding a hot goalie is the best move. For example, the Carolina Hurricanes rode Cam Ward all the way to a Stanley Cup in 2005-06.