AN ORIGINAL 6 STORY: The History of the Boston Bruins Goaltenders Since 1970
As one of the Original Six franchises, the Boston Bruins have a rich and storied history, filled with iconic moments, legendary players, and unforgettable goaltenders. From Gerry Cheevers to Tuukka Rask, the Bruins have been blessed with some of the best goaltending talent in the NHL since 1970.
It all started with Gerry Cheevers, who backstopped the Bruins to two Stanley Cup championships in the early 1970s. Cheevers was known for his unorthodox style, which included painting stitches on his mask every time he was hit in the face with a puck. Cheevers was a key part of the Bruins' dominant teams of the early '70s and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.
In the late '70s, the Bruins turned to another legendary goaltender, Gilles Gilbert. Gilbert was a standout performer for the Bruins, helping them reach the Stanley Cup Finals in both 1977 and 1978. He was known for his quick reflexes and acrobatic saves, and he still holds the Bruins' record for most career shutouts with 31.
The 1980's brought a new era of Bruins goaltending, as the team turned to Pete Peeters, who led the NHL in wins during the 1982-83 season. Peeters was a model of consistency for the Bruins and helped the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1988. He was also named the Vezina Trophy winner in 1983.
Following Peeters, the Bruins turned to another standout goaltender, Andy Moog. Moog was a key part of the Bruins' success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in both 1988 and 1990. He was known for his calm demeanor and his ability to make big saves in clutch situations.
In the late 2000s, the Bruins turned to another standout goaltender, Tim Thomas. Thomas was a late bloomer, but he quickly became one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. He was a key part of the Bruins' Stanley Cup championship team in 2011, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs. He was also a two-time Vezina Trophy winner and was known for his aggressive, acrobatic style of play.
In recent years, the Bruins have turned to Tuukka Rask, who has emerged as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. Rask was a key part of the Bruins' run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2013, and he has been a model of consistency for the team ever since. He was a Vezina Trophy winner in 2014 and has been a finalist for the award on multiple occasions.
Linus Ullmark, the Boston Bruins' current starting goaltender, has been on an absolute tear this season. Ullmark's record-breaking season has been nothing short of remarkable. He has established himself as one of the best goaltenders in the NHL and has helped the Bruins become one of the top teams in the league. With Ullmark leading the way, the sky is the limit for the Bruins this season.