Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask will not dress for Thursday night’s game against the New York Rangers due to a lingering injury. Head coach Bruce Cassidy provided the update on his netminder’s status during the Bruins morning press conference.
Cassidy on Tuukka: “We thought it was something minor … but it’s lingered.”
Out tonight.
— Amalie Benjamin (@AmalieBenjamin) March 11, 2021
Tuukka Rask Injury Update
Tuukka Rask seemed to be carrying the injury during Boston’s 1-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. Consequently, he did not travel with the team to New York for their one-game road-trip. Although, the absence didn’t raise too many eyebrows at the time. Jaroslav Halak was scheduled to start in goal for Tuesday night’s game against the New York Islanders anyway. Therefore Rask not travelling for the game was considered merely precautionary.
However, now it has materialized that Rask may miss more time than originally hoped. ” We thought it was something minor,.., but it’s lingered,” coach Cassidy explained during Thursday morning’s presser.
Statistically, Rask has a slightly lower save percentage this season (.906) than his career average (.921). However, he still ranks among the top 10 goaltenders for goals saved above expected according to MoneyPuck. Meanwhile, Halak is having a strong season. He has a 5-2-2 record with a .919 save percentage.
What This Means Going Forward
In reaction to the Tuukka Rask injury, the Bruins brought Daniel Vladar as a backup on their New York road trip. It is likely he will continue as second-choice behind Halak while Rask is recovering. Vladar has played only one game in the NHL. He stopped 12 of 15 shots in relief of Halak during a 7-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020.
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In other Bruins roster news, Jake Debrusk will return to the lineup after missing Tuesday’s game as a healthy scratch. The team was not happy with the winger’s recent efforts and will hope that the message was received after benching the 24-year-old.
There is also no timeline for Brandon Carlo‘s return following his head injury from Tom Wilson‘s hit last week.
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