The Boston Bruins have had their ups and downs this season. That’s especially true for goaltender Tuukka Rask, who has mixed in some outstanding games with clunkers and a momentary leave of absence that included what he termed “soul-searching”.
Rask nonetheless gets the start for the Bruins on New Year’s Day against the Chicago Blackhawks, and he does so in a spot where the Bruins enter the game one point out of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference standings. As the points only get more important, Rask is only going to have to play better and more consistently.
President Cam Neely expressed that very sentiment in his first interview in some time with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Felger & Mazz on Tuesday. While he and the team have been very happy with the play of Jaroslav Halak, he admits that Rask’s season could be better.
“We need Tuukka to step up and show that he can play a string of games and play well for us,” said Neely. “He went on an amazing run last year. We’re hoping for another one this year.”
Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins looks on during the second period against the New York Islanders at TD Garden on November 29, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Neely also admitted the Bruins have to improve their scoring. He acknowledges that some of the issue is that some key young prospects are taking longer than expected to emerge.
“We do recognize that we need some help, especially maybe in the top-six,” Neely said, “based on the fact that some of the guys haven’t really developed the way we had hoped.”
Neely also commented on the idea of shaking up the Bruins’ top line, as well as the tough season for defenseman Charlie McAvoy as he’s battled injuries. Listen to the full interview above!