Tuukka Rask has been the backbone behind the Boston Bruins playoff run and with another win last night he’s closing in on a few historical performances. His current eight-game win-streak ties him with the longest run by any goalie over the last 10 years. It’s also the second-longest streak by a goalie in Bruins history behind only Gerry Cheevers’ 10 straight playoff victories in 1970.

Throughout these playoffs, he’s continuously put together some strong performances and has yet to play a game with a save percentage below .900. His 18 straight games of .900 or better ties him with Jonathan Quick’s 2012 run for the most consecutive single-season playoff games record.

In Game 1, Rask wasn’t needed to be at the top of his game but he recognized that saying, “I was just pretty much a spectator after {the first period}.” In other games, he’s put the team on his back and stolen them a win. His numbers throughout the playoffs speak for themselves.

The most telling number there is his -0.87 actual to expected goals against meaning he’s saving his team almost an extra goal against every game, relative to league average goaltending.

Rask has also been the beneficiary of some stellar team defense. He’s faced a reasonable amount of shots but the Bruins aren’t forcing him to face many high-quality ones.

Rask is playing at an elite level and getting help from his defense. If he stops 90% of the shots he faces in Game 2, he’ll set an NHL playoff record with 19 straight games without a save percentage below .900 and take one more step towards a Conn Smythe Trophy and another Stanley Cup.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)