Tuukka Rask took the NHL lead with his fourth shutout while simultaneously earning his 20th victory of 2013-14 in the Boston Bruins’ 5-0 victory over Ottawa on Friday.
Rask turned aside 33 straight shots, including 15 in the first period.
Of course, he got plenty of support. Jarome Iginla’s power-play goal in the second period proved to be the game winner while Reilly Smith found the back of the net twice.
Acquired in the Tyler Seguin deal, Smith now leads the Bruins with 14 goals this season. He also ranks second on the team with 30 points in 38 contests.
The Bruins have now won three straight games and have outscored their opponents 15-3 over that span. All the same, with the Tampa Bay Lightning surging and the Montreal Canadiens enjoying a strong first half of 2013-14, Boston’s spot atop the Atlantic Division is far from secure.