Halak could be the sleeper in the off season moves.......
In Jaroslav Halak, Bruins have a new type of backup goalie...
Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, a native of Slovakia, helped create the concept of Team Europe. Its coach, Ralph Krueger, wasn’t even working in pro hockey at the time. He was, and remains, the chairman of Southampton Saints FC of the English Premier League. Yes, that’s a soccer club, not a hockey team.
Yet Team Europe quickly created chemistry, and thanks to outstanding goaltending from Jaroslav Halak, the team reached the finals before losing to Team Canada. Halak and Chara have played together while representing Slovakia on numerous national teams, including the Olympics, and they’ve now been reunited after the Bruins signed the veteran netminder to a two-year deal worth $5.5 million.
Halak is going to be an interesting fit for the Bruins replacing Anton Khudobin, who signed with the Dallas Stars, as the backup for Tuukka Rask. Halak was the No. 1 goalie for the New York Islanders for most of last season. Having two No. 1 goalies should create more internal competition, which will only help to keep Rask motivated.
Bruce Cassidy has probably already looked at the possible goaltending schedule for next season, but as the coach learned last season, there are always variables that force him to change things. Moving forward, Halak gives the Bruins a stronger tandem between the pipes.
“He’s going to add depth,” Chara said of Halak. “He’s been a No. 1 goalie for a long time in the NHL. It’s welcoming to have two goaltenders that are very successful and complement each other when the schedule is heavier, or when the situation presents itself, you always want to rely on two goaltenders. He gives us depth for our team and consistency.”
When Krueger was coaching Team Europe, time and again he mentioned Halak’s leadership qualities, describing him as being “an absolute leader in the room” and “a world-class goalie.”
“Everybody wants to play for him,” Krueger said at the time. “From Day 1, he grabbed the ball and he hasn’t dropped it, or let anybody else take it. He’s been outstanding. He’s been absolutely fantastic.”
In Jaroslav Halak, Bruins have a new type of backup goalie...
Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, a native of Slovakia, helped create the concept of Team Europe. Its coach, Ralph Krueger, wasn’t even working in pro hockey at the time. He was, and remains, the chairman of Southampton Saints FC of the English Premier League. Yes, that’s a soccer club, not a hockey team.
Yet Team Europe quickly created chemistry, and thanks to outstanding goaltending from Jaroslav Halak, the team reached the finals before losing to Team Canada. Halak and Chara have played together while representing Slovakia on numerous national teams, including the Olympics, and they’ve now been reunited after the Bruins signed the veteran netminder to a two-year deal worth $5.5 million.
Halak is going to be an interesting fit for the Bruins replacing Anton Khudobin, who signed with the Dallas Stars, as the backup for Tuukka Rask. Halak was the No. 1 goalie for the New York Islanders for most of last season. Having two No. 1 goalies should create more internal competition, which will only help to keep Rask motivated.
Bruce Cassidy has probably already looked at the possible goaltending schedule for next season, but as the coach learned last season, there are always variables that force him to change things. Moving forward, Halak gives the Bruins a stronger tandem between the pipes.
“He’s going to add depth,” Chara said of Halak. “He’s been a No. 1 goalie for a long time in the NHL. It’s welcoming to have two goaltenders that are very successful and complement each other when the schedule is heavier, or when the situation presents itself, you always want to rely on two goaltenders. He gives us depth for our team and consistency.”
When Krueger was coaching Team Europe, time and again he mentioned Halak’s leadership qualities, describing him as being “an absolute leader in the room” and “a world-class goalie.”
“Everybody wants to play for him,” Krueger said at the time. “From Day 1, he grabbed the ball and he hasn’t dropped it, or let anybody else take it. He’s been outstanding. He’s been absolutely fantastic.”
