The Downfall Of This Calder Winning Boston Bruin
Back in 1998, Boston's fifth-round pick, Andrew Raycroft, navigated between Boston and Providence for three seasons. Most of Raycroft's early pro career took place in the AHL, with 121 games played on the Bruins' farm club, earning a 56-48-13 record.
Yet, the 2003-04 season marked a turning point. Raycroft's standout performance was pivotal for both him and the Bruins, setting the stage for the franchise's future.
That season, Raycroft's rookie brilliance shone. Given the starting role in Boston, he excelled, finishing with a 29-18-9 record, a 2.05 goals-against average, and .926 save percentage. His stats matched up with renowned goalies like Brodeur, Turco, and Kiprusoff.
Alongside rookie Patrice Bergeron, Raycroft contributed to the Bruins' Northeast Division title and a memorable playoff run. His remarkable play earned him consideration for the Hart and Vezina Trophies, ultimately securing the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie.
However, following the 2004-05 NHL Lockout, Raycroft's groove was disrupted. After a stint in Finland, his struggles continued in the 2005-06 season. With an 8-19-2 record and a 3.71 goals-against average, he faced a challenging period. The Bruins, undergoing transitions, saw Raycroft descend to third on the goalie depth chart.
The following summer brought more change, with Raycroft traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a deal that brought Tuukka Rask to Boston. Raycroft's departure paved the way for Rask to become the Bruins' franchise goaltender.
Raycroft's journey with the Bruins encompassed high points and challenges, leaving an indelible mark on the team's history.
As seen on thehockeywriters
| POLL | ||
Do you think Raycroft is a top 5 goalie in Bruins history? | ||
| Yes | 5 | 5.4 % |
| No | 87 | 94.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
