Subban not the answer in Boston

B’s have more questions than answers behind Rask for 2017-18.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Subban not the answer in Boston
Keystone Press

Since he was drafted 24th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Malcolm Subban has been seen as the future in goal for the team. However, nearly five years later and Subban is still no closer to becoming an NHL goaltender, let alone one with game-breaking, 50+ start capabilities.

The 23 year-old netminder has been afforded opportunities to take the backup role in Boston for three seasons running, but inconsistency at the AHL level has led to him being passed on the organization’s depth chart by 24 year-old Zane McIntyre and veteran Anton Khudobin. Both Subban and McIntyre and split time with the baby Bruins in Providence this season, but McIntyre’s 2.03 and .930 Sv% blew Subban’s 2.41 GAA and .917 Sv% out of the water. 

At the NHL level, the results between Subban and McIntyre aren’t even really comparable.  The B’s trusted McIntyre with eight starts, while handing Subban only one. Neither played great, but the Bruins were a team in transition when both net minders were thrown into the fire. For what it’s worth however, McIntyre excelled in the AHL playoffs, posting a 2.14 GAA and .919 Sv%.

With Khudobin expected to compete for the backup position once again in 2017-18, it’s likely that McIntyre will provide him with the largest competition, not Subban. What Subban decides to do with the increase in playing time in the AHL will ultimately determine his future with the Bruins.