Need to Know: Rask Gets Call for Game 2

Despite back-to-back, netminder will start between the pipes against Carolina

By Eric Russo

@erusso22 BostonBruins.com

August 13, 2020

BostonBruins.com - After a thrilling double-overtime win in Game 1, the Bruins get right back to it on Thursday night as they look to open up a 2-0 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that despite the back-to-back, Tuukka Rask will get the call between the pipes, citing the extended time between games as a major reason for the decision.

"Probably three factors," said Cassidy. "How's Tuukka feeling coming out of the game? Felt fine. Was there a lot of wear and tear to the point where recovery would require more than 24 hours or 30 hours. I don't think so…not a lot of demanding stretches [in Game 1].

"And then the timing of the two games. Back-to-backs are a lot to do with travel, short night's sleep. We didn't have any of those factors…that had a lot to do with it."

Game 2 will mark Boston's first set of postseason back-to-backs since Games 6 and 7 against Toronto in 2013 and 48th all-time. Cassidy, whose team held an optional pregame skate on Thursday, said that a couple of players were receiving treatment this morning and any lineup changes would be determined following warmups.

"We have a couple guys that are, after yesterday's game, getting some treatment," said Cassidy. "Right now, assuming everyone is healthy to play, we will put the same lineup on the ice. If not, obviously we'll have to make that decision."

Cassidy addresses media before game 2

Power Outage

The Bruins' power play has struggled mightily since the NHL's restart, going 0 for 13 through four games - including an 0-4 showing in Game 1 with a shorthanded goal allowed. Cassidy chalked up the lack of execution mostly to rust, noting that David Pastrnak and Ondrej Kase missed all of training camp, leaving minimal time for the full units to practice together.

"I think Carolina's aggressive nature and the way they form that tight diamond in the neutral zone didn't allow us to gain entry with possession, which is something that we try to do as much as any team in this league," said Cassidy. "Maybe the stubbornness on our part not to get pucks behind them…in zone, we probably forced some plays once we did get possession.

"I think it has hurt us the fact that you're off for that long; Pasta misses camp, Kase misses camp with the second unit, so you don't have a lot of reps. When we got here, a couple guys needed maintenance days - Bergy, Pasta again - now all of a sudden you think you can catch up here with the practice time and we weren't able to do much of that either.

"We're behind on the power play. We're gonna have to simplify it and be ready for pressure tonight. And hopefully get it going again because it can be a major weapon for us."

Opposing View

The Hurricanes were without veteran winger Justin Williams and defenseman Sami Vatanen for Game 1, and both remain questionable for Game 2, per coach Rod Brind'Amour. The 'Canes bench boss - who was fined $25,000 by the NHL for critical comments about the officiating following Game 1 - said those two are among a number of players that are game-time decisions for Thursday night's tilt.

"When I see game-time decisions, tonight I actually mean it," said Brind'Amour. "We have a few guys I'm not sure about."

Brind'Amour would not confirm that he will turn back to Petr Mrazek (36 saves on 40 shots) in goal but noted that he was pleased with the back stop's play in Game 1. James Reimer played one game for Carolina during the qualifying round.

"I thought Petr was good," said Brind'Amour. "He had a lot of Grade As on him. Way too many for a game that we want to win. He kept us in there, gave us a chance, certainly to win the game…he's definitely a possibility. He's been dialed in."

Brind'Amour talks to media before game 2