Skip to content

Khudobin gains confidence from not being replaced as Bruins' backup

Winslow Townson / USA Today Sports

The Boston Bruins backup goalie situation seems to finally be falling into place.

After a disastrous first half of the season and time spent down in the AHL, Anton Khudobin has won his past three starts, including Saturday against New Jersey.

That general manager Don Sweeney didn't add a goalie prior to the trade deadline was a bit of a boost.

"If they believe in me and they didn't bring anybody, I really appreciate it," Khudobin said, per Joe Haggerty of CSNNE. "I want to do my job and I want to win for the team ... If they believe in you as a player, it gives you confidence, and that's it."

Khudobin added, "Of course, and after a rough start, especially my start, and winning right now, it just gives you more confidence, it gives your team more confidence, and gives everybody confidence which is important at this time of the year."

With the Bruins in search of a playoff spot, interim head coach Bruce Cassidy has been rewarded for newfound faith in Khudobin. In three starts under Cassidy, Khudobin has allowed only six goals, stopping 92.2 percent of shots faced.

As a team, Boston has posted a record of 8-2-0 since the coaching change, and sits third in the Atlantic Division.

More solid play from Khudobin will go a long way towards advancing to the postseason and making sure Tuukka Rask is fresh when the time comes.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox