It was a night of milestones and accolades for Tuukka Rask, who secured his first shutout of the season and 42nd of his career with a solid 24-save performance. The victory was the 250th of his career, leaving him just three shy of being the winningest goalie in Bruins history.
"It's 250 wins….250 more to go, I guess," Rask, who has won four straight starts, said with a smile. "No…been lucky enough to be part of good teams and that's pretty much what it comes down to I think. Been fortunate to play here, so [I'm] happy."
Rask credited his teammates for putting their bodies on the line in the final minutes and blocking shots to help preserve the shutout, while also mentioning the team's strong defensive efforts of late. Boston has allowed two or fewer goals in four of five games during the winning streak.
"We've played great," said Rask,who has allowed just five goals over his four-game winning steak and after a slow start has surged into eighth in the NHL in goals against average (2.43).
"I think our team defense the past few games at least has been very good and I think it shows on the scoreboard and in points. The last two games, I don't think there's too many odd-man rushes at all.
"I think we're eliminating the offense of the opposing team very well and then getting rewarded in the other end, so that's a great sign - the way we want to play."
Jaroslav Halak, who remains fifth in GAA (2.36) and third in save percentage (.926), is likely to get the start on Thursday vs. Washington, which has won 13 straight against the Bruins.
"Tuukka's now earning - I don't want to say the net back. I don't think that's the appropriate term - but more starts. So, we'll see how he runs with it," said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. "Washington coming in is a little different. We haven't had much success against them, so we're leaning towards - I'll tell you flat out - Halak, because he hasn't started against them in a Bruins uniform…that would just be a switch and getting Jaro his games."