What to Know
- Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask has been granted a leave of absence relating to a personal matter.
- “It’s not health related," General Manager Don Sweeney told the media Friday.
- Rask, 31, a native of Finland, has been having one of his worst seasons.
Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask has been granted a leave of absence relating to a personal matter.
"Effective today, Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask has been granted a leave of absence relating to a personal matter," the Bruins said in a one-line statement.
"It’s not health related," General Manager Don Sweeney told the media Friday. "It’s important to respect his privacy and allow him to deal with it for the next few days."
The Bruins last played on Thursday, losing 8-5 to the Vancouver Canucks at the TD Garden.
Rask did not start the game, but replaced starting goalie Jaroslav Halak after Halak allowed five goals on 19 shots. Rask went on to let in three goals on the first eight shots he faced, including a misplay of a clearing attempt that led to the Canucks' seventh goal.
"I was just trying to keep it under 10,'' Rask said sarcastically after the game. "Just trying to do damage control as it was kind of a crazy game."
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Rask, 31, a native of Finland, is having one of his worst seasons. In eight games, his record is 4-4 and his goals against average is 3.05, the highest since his first year in 2007-2008.
He won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011 as the backup to Tim Thomas, and won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goaltender in 2013. His salary for this year is $7 million.
The Bruins' next game is on Saturday night in Boston against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Halak is expected to start in goal.
