Three Storylines to watch as New York Islanders look to eliminate Boston Bruins

2. Will Tuukka Rask rebound to save the Bruins?

It was a tough, tough Game 5 for Boston Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask who was pulled after giving up four goals on just 16 shots through two periods. Rookie Jeremy Swayman came in but, by then, the damage was already done and the B’s found themselves down 3-2 in the series and on the brink of elimination.

As bright as the future looks bright for Swayman, playing in a win-or-go home game is a lot to ask of a largely untested rookie, which is why the news that Rask will be good to go in Game 6 after recovering from nagging injuries is great news for Boston.

However, it remains to be seen just how fully healthy and ready to go Rask really is and, if he can’t rebound from his rough outing in Game 5, then it will be curtains for the Bruins come night’s end and it will be New York moving on.

Therefore, the B’s will need Rask to be at his vintage best in order to force a Game 7 and the defense will also have to be a lot better having failed to really protect and help out their goalie against an Islanders offense that isn’t exactly known for always being explosive.

And, with the Isles masters of their craft when it comes to keeping the puck out of their net, coupled with the brilliance of Semyon Varlamov this postseason, the pressure will be on Rask to do his job to ensure that his offense has a chance in what will no doubt be a close game with little in it.

Rask has delivered in big moments for the Boston Bruins before and, with the season on the line, the veteran will need to put Monday’s troubles behind him and instead muster up a performance for the ages to ensure that his team stays alive and can live another day for a Game 7.