Is starting Tuukka Rask over Jeremy Swayman the right call in Game 6?
Tuukka Rask. John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe  Welcome to Boston.coms Sports Q, our daily conversation, initiated by you and moderated by Chad Finn, about a compelling topic in Boston sports. Heres how it works: You submit questions to Chad through Twitter, Facebook, and email. Hell pick one each weekday to answer, then well take the discussion to the comments. Chad will stop by several times per day to navigate. But you drive the conversation. Ah, yes, the question of the day, and perhaps the ultimate debate-worthy question weve had here at the Sports Q. It combines urgency, legacies, and logical arguments for either goalie, Tuukka Rask or Jeremy Swayman. Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy has the only vote that counts, of course, and he told the media Wednesday morning that Rask would get the start. The pro-Tuukka case: Hes the winningest goalie in Bruins regular-season and playoff history. While hes never won a Cup as the starter, hes played well enough to get the Bruins on the brink in 2013 and 19. The situation  the Bruins trail the Islanders, 3-2  wont be too big for him. And he has had moments of excellence in this series, including a 28-save effort in the Bruins 2-1 overtime victory in Game 3 that gave them a fleeting 2-1 lead in this series. Rask can be an enigma, but hes as goalie the vast majority of teams in the NHL would be happy to have in their net in a must-win game. Advertisement:  The pro-Swayman case: The UMaine product was superb late in the regular season, going 7-3 with a 1.50 goals against average and 94.5 save percentage in 10 games. He allowed a goal on three shots in relief of Rask in Game 5, but the defense closed ranks around him and the Bruins nearly pulled off a furious comeback from a 5-2 deficit. Playing him might be a strategic changeup that the Islanders wont be ready for. And most important, hes healthy, and Rask, whose mobility is clearly affected by a back injury and assorted other ailments, is not. I have to admit, if Id answered this yesterday, my answer would be different than it is today. I would have said they should stick with Rask, the veteran, and thats what theyll do. But I think its a mistake, and Cassidy should have gone with Swayman. Rask just doesnt look right, because he isnt, and with the defense in front of him depleted, he could be a sitting duck for the Isles in Game 6. I do wonder if hell get a quick hook if the Islanders get one on him early. I understand Cassidys call. Rask is the experienced veteran who has won a lot of games through the years. It would be a lot to ask Swayman to go out there in a must-win after not having started a game since May 11. But hes a talented kid, and he might have been up for it. I would have liked to find out. Ill hear you in the comments.