It doesn't matter that the Boston Bruins have dropped two consecutive games, including a 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday night at BB&T Center, because all the focus is on the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The one issue is the Bruins want to play well going into the playoffs and not crawl into the postseason, which has been the case the last two games.
Everything else you need to know from the Bruins' loss in quickie form, with BSJ insight and analysis.
HEADLINES
Bad start: It didn't help that the Panthers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period. It's unusual that the Bruins couldn't mount a comeback, which is something that's been able to do the entire season. Does it really matter? Probably not because the Bruins are focused solely on the playoffs no matter who their opponent will be come Thursday.
Pregame notes
It’s possible that Tuukka Rask will make his last regular-season start tonight against the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. After tonight, the Bruins have two games remaining against the Ottawa Senators and Panthers on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, at TD Garden.
At this point, coach Bruce Cassidy is scheduled to have backup Anton Khudobin play the final two games, unless Rask decides he wants to play in one of them. If tonight is his last game, he’ll have six days to focus and prepare for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, which begins on Thursday.
When asked whether or not he wanted to play this weekend, or take a week between games, Rask said: “Doesn’t matter. It’s fine.”
After the team’s 4-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday at Amalie Arena, and depending the outcome of Rask’s performance tonight, maybe Cassidy could push for one more game before the playoffs for the starting goaltender.
“He could get an extra game,” Cassidy told reporters after the team’s practice on Wednesday. “I think we’ve handled his workload pretty well through the course of the year in terms of not over-playing him. “That’s one where if he feels, and we fee he should, then he will. If not, then we’ll just play him (tonight) and get ready for next week.”
Prior to the start of the 2017-18 season, Cassidy felt it would be in the best interest of the team, and for Rask, if he played between 55-60 games. Analytically, it’s documented that the numbers start going against Rask when he plays more than that.
The plan worked – for now.
Tonight will be his 53rdstart of the season and he has a 34-12-5 record, along with a 2.32 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. The goal of this game plan for Rask is to make sure he’s fresh for what could be a long playoff run.
With the exception of Tim Thomas’ historic performance en route to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011, Rask has played every other playoff game in 2010, 2013, 2014 and 2017. Expect him to play every game this spring too.
He’s been unable to win that last game each time and it’ll be interesting to see if he can finally overcome that this spring. The Bruins have a potent offense and can score goals, but those numbers tend to decrease during the playoffs and that’s why goaltending is so important.
Even though Cassidy and the Bruins leaned on Khudobin at critical times in November to help turn the season around, Rask will be the guy in the playoffs no matter what happens. There could be a scenario where he’s pulled during a tough game, but he will start every one this spring.
With that in mind, it might not be a bad thing for Rask to play in one of the final regular-season games this weekend at TD Garden. If the Bruins win the Atlantic Division and earn home-ice advantage, that could be a decent discussion why Rask should play if that's what it comes down to. However, the Bruins have been one of the best road teams in the league this season, so that shouldn't really matter.
Injury updates: Rick Nash (upper body) continues to skate at the team's practice facility. There's a possibility he could play this weekend. Riley Nash, who received 40-plus stitches in and around his ear last weekend, has not resumed skating. Sean Kuraly (upper body) has not skated and it's unlikely he'll return this weekend.
Masked men: Panthers goalie Roberto Luongo will play his 1,000th NHL game tonight, becoming only the third netminder to reach that plateau, joining Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy. Luongo, 39, is 10-4-1 in his last 15 starts as the Panthers attempt to earn a postseason berth.
There's no place like home: The Panthers are 12-2-0 in their last 14 home games. Florida's 48 goals at BB&T Center are the most in the NHL since Feb. 22.
Observations from first period
- Rask is sharp early.
- McAvoy showing zero rust tonight. Pinching and engaged.
- David Backes will be a force in the playoffs.
- Panthers take a 1-0 lead.
- Frankie Pizza with a goal to give the Panthers a 2-0 lead.
- Boston's top line is so good. Not that's a big surprise.
- I would keep Adam McQuaid in the lineup come playoff time.
- Ryan Donato will be in the lineup too come playoff time. Cuts deficit by one goal.
Observations from second period
- Big time goal by Danton Heinen.
- Players at this point are playing for the postseason.
- Noel Acciari is playing out of his mind of late. Bodes well for the playoffs.
- When Rask is catching the puck in the logo is a good thing.
- Rask is dialed in.
- Pasta is going to have a big playoff too.
- McAvoy quickly is back in the mix.
Observations from third period
- McQuaid wants to stay in the lineup and he should be.
- Not surprised but Panthers make 3-2.
- And that's why Rask is dialed in.
Here are the Bruins' projected line combinations and defensive pairings vs. the Panthers.