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Will Tuukka Rask sustain his elite early-season performance?

The Bruins will only go as far as Tuukka Rask takes them. Can he continue to perform at an elite level? Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

After a disappointing postseason absence in 2015-16, the Boston Bruins have climbed back to third in the competitive Atlantic Division, and it's primarily because of a bounce-back season from starting goalie Tuukka Rask.

When Rask is in net, the Bruins are 11-2-0 this season, which is tied with Montreal's Carey Price for the most wins. On the other hand, the B's are 0-5-0 with either Zane McIntyre, Anton Khudobin or Malcolm Subban in goal.

Rask has eight first, second or third game stars, which is also tied with Price for first in the NHL, according to Sporting Charts.

Rask has a .946 save percentage, a 1.46 goals-against average and nine quality starts, each of which ranks in the NHL's top four this season. Compare that to a combined .850 save percentage, 4.24 goals-against average and no quality starts from his three backups, and it's obvious that Boston's fate rests in Rask's hands this season. Can he continue to play at the elite level?