Bruins face tough decision thanks to Tuukka Rask

It sounds like the Boston Bruins are not expecting to see ailing No. 1 goaltender Tuukka Rask anytime soon. The veteran goalie was not at team practice ahead of last night’s game against the New Jersey Devils, which netminder Jaroslav Halak won 5-4 in a shootout. 

Rask appeared to initially injure his back in the final moments of the March 7 shutout loss to the same Devils after colliding with Miles Wood in his crease. The injury was apparent when he had major difficult getting off the ice for the extra skater at the end of the game. He tried to return last week against the Islanders, but lasted a single period making six saves before leaving the game. 

We all know what happened to the Bruins this past summer when Rask left the Toronto bubble to head back to Boston for his daughter and how Halak was unable to deal with the workload of the postseason. Are we supposed to expect Dan Vladar to be ready for the playoffs? 

All of this has Elliotte Friedman mentioned something we’ve all been thinking in his latest 31 Thoughts column on Sportsnet: “What is Tuukka Rask ’s health going to do to Boston’s decision-making?”

Will they seek the help of an experienced netminder closer to the trade deadline if they managed to be a contender? 

What impact will this all have on Rask’s expected contract extension, he whose deal runs out at the end of the season? 

A lot of questions indeed, Friedman!