Boston Bruins goalie Tuuka Rask left Tuesday night's game early after getting caught up high with an elbow from Emil Bemstrom. Following the game, Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that Rask has been diagnosed with a concussion.
The incident occurred just over a minute into the game. Bemstrom did not receive a penalty on the play, while Rask was sent to the quiet room and did not return to the game. Jaroslav Halak sent out to replace Rask, but the Bruins ultimately lost the game 3-0.
"It's awful. I don't want to hurt anyone. That's not my kind of play. It's just unlucky," Emil Bemstrom said in a post-game interview.
Rask has a history of dealing with concussions and other head problems, this is the third concussion of his career, his most recent came almost a year ago to the day on Jan. 19, 2019 after Charlie McAvoy sent Filip Chytil flying into him following a Rangers goal.
There is no timetable for Rask's return, but thankfully for the Bruins, Halak will be a solid backup for the time being. He has a 10-4-6 record so far this season with a 2.46 GAA and a .920 Sv%.
As for the Bruins, they still hold onto the top spot in the Atlantic Division with 66 points (27-9-12). They are gearing up for another deep playoff run, and Rask will be a very important piece of that.
Rask has suited up in 28 games for the Bruins this season where he has 17 wins, a .925 Sv%, and a 2.27 GAA.
-
