Raycroft's Rise & Fall: A Bruins & Leafs Tale

0:00It's March 18th, here's your NHL news in two minutes, subscribe to stay locked in all season. 22 years ago, Boston Bruins Goldtender, Andrew Raycroft burst onto the National Hockey League scene with a standout rookie season. The fifth round pick from 1998 played 57 games, posting a 29 win record, a 2.05 goals against, average, and a 0.926 safe percentage. His performance earned him the call to trophy as the league's top rookie, putting him in a league company with goalies like Martin Berder. The 2003-2004 year also featured Ricky Patrice Bergeron, and together they helped Boston claim the Northeast Division, title and reach the playoffs. Raycroft beat out contenders like Bergeron and Eric Stau for the award, while gaining nods for the Heart and Vizina trophies. With the 2004-2005 lockout, derailed his momentum. Raycroft played in Finland during the break, then struggled in 2005 to 2006 with Boston, going 8 in 19 with A.

1:023.71 goals against, average. He fell behind Tim Thomas and Hano Twyvenin on the depth chart amid teen turmoil, including trading Captain Joe Thornton. In a blockbuster move, Bruins interim general manager Jeff Gordon traded Raycroft to the Toronto Maple Leafs on June 24th, 2006. For prospect Tuuka Rask, Boston passed on another option, Justin Paulga, who barely played in the league. Fans now see it as one of the best deals in franchise history. Raycroft had a solid first year in Toronto, with 37 wins, but faded after that, bouncing between teams like Colorado, Vancouver and Dallas. Before retiring around 2013, now married with three kids, he coaches goalies at the University of Connecticut, and has done Bruins broadcast work. Meanwhile, Rask anchors Boston's net as a Stanley Cup contender. D&N is sponsored by our partner. Check out the episode description. Headphones in a pillow.

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