The Boston Bruins could be without starting goaltender Tuukka Rask for a time while Rask recovers from a concussion. The injury occurred at some point during a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Matt Porter of the Boston Globe was among the first to break the news per a comment from head coach Bruce Cassidy.
Cassidy said Rask is concussed. “It’s an elbow to the head and they didn’t call it.”
— Matt Porter (@mattyports) January 15, 2020
Tuukka Rask Out Indefinitely with Concussion
Rask is having a good 2019-20. The 32-year-old has won 17 of his 27 starts with a .925 save percentage and 2.27 goals-against-average. Both statistics are top 10 in the NHL this season. The only real criticism of Rask is in the extra period where he has six losses in overtime or the shootout. That is already more post-regulation losses than in 2018-19 with roughly half the season left.
The veteran Finn remains one of the better goaltenders in the league despite constant criticism from Boston fans. His numbers are very good despite playing in front of a defence that has been hurt at times and features 42-year-old Zdeno Chara playing heavy minutes. Boston’s defence is good but has a relatively young group of blueliners supporting one of the league’s oldest players and star Torey Krug. Rask has done quite well with a shifting group of players helping him stop shots.
What this Means for the Future
We do not know how long Rask will be out. It could be only a game or two or several weeks. Boston could decide to hold Rask out longer given the nature of the position; there is no reason to risk their starter’s health in January. They can lean on veteran Jaroslav Halak in the meantime. Halak is also having a good season with a .920 save percentage and 2.46 goals-against. It is also highly possible Maxime Lagace is promoted from AHL Providence before the team’s next game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He has a .915 save percentage and 2.49 goals-against for a team sitting third in its division.
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