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Bruins' Jaroslav Halak: Takes OT loss Thursday

Halak kept out both of Connor McDavid's shots in this one, though the world's best player got the last laugh with two assists, including one on Leon Draisaitl's overtime winner. Boston's backup is 2-0-1 on the young season and remains a strong streaming option whenever he gets the nod.

Bruins' Jaroslav Halak: Draws Thursday start

To date, Halak is 2-0 in two starts with a 1.18 GAA and .961 save percentage in three appearances. Meanwhile, Rask is off to an uneven start. It's too soon to suggest that Halak is a threat to supplant Rask as the Bruins' top goalie, but if his strong play continues, it could lead to more starts than usual for an NHL backup. Working in his favor Thursday night is that the Bruins approach their four-game Canadian road trip on a four-game roll, in which they've outscored opponents by a 22-6 mark.

Bruins' Jaroslav Halak: Red-hot start to season

Only Connor McDavid beat him on a breakaway. Halak is off to a tremendous start to the season. He is 2-0 in two starts with a 1.18 GAA and .961 save percentage in three appearances. Halak is a solid activation right now, as Tuukka Rask is taking some time to shake off the preseason rust.

Bruins' Jaroslav Halak: Defending home cage Thursday

Halak will get his second start of the young season, but it will actually be his third appearance. He was pressed into relief duty in the season opener after traditional starter Tuukka Rask coughed up five goals on 19 shots from the Capitals. Halak is 1-0-0 with a 1.29 GAA and .960 save percentage; his confidence must be high after slamming the door on the Sabres for his 43rd career shutout a week ago.

Bruins' Jaroslav Halak: Records shutout versus Sabres

Despite playing in relief of Tuukka Rask on Wednesday, coach Bruce Cassidy stuck with his plan to start Halak versus the Sabres, and it worked. Notorious for being streaky, Halak is off to a strong start in 2018-19. In his first 92 minutes of action, Halak has stopped 48 of 50 shots (.960 save percentage). He should receive a steady diet of work behind Rask this season.