Bruins’ goaltender Tuukka Rask blocks a shot by New Jersey’s Yegor Sharangovich on Sunday in Boston. Rask appeared to be injured when he skated off for an extra skater and missed Monday’s optional skate. MIchael Dwyer/Associated Press
As he skated to the bench for the extra skater in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils, Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask appeared to be moving awkwardly.
Boston Coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed Monday that Rask wasn’t at full strength. The goalie skipped the Bruins’ optional skate Monday. Jaroslav Halak was already expected to start Tuesday against the New York Islanders on Long Island. Cassidy wasn’t sure if Rask would be available as a backup.
“He obviously was a little uncomfortable. We’ll see what his status is tomorrow,” Cassidy said. “I do think it’s Jaro’s start. If there’s any issue at all we’ll send someone else to back up for cautionary measures. It’s a quick trip in and out. That’s the adjustment we’d make if he’s not prepared to back up or available to back up. I’ll have a better idea on that going forward.”
If Rask is unavailable that would likely mean calling up either Dan Vladar or Jeremy Swayman from Providence (which is playing in front of no fans in Marlborough). Vladar played briefly and struggled in Rask’s absence in the bubble last year. He’s 2-2 with a 1.78 GAA and a .934 save percentage this year. Rookie Jeremy Swayman, who was blocking pucks at Maine at this time a year ago, is undefeated as a professional at 5-0 with a 1.80 GAA and a .935 save percentage.
Beginning with Tuesday’s 7 p.m. game against the Islanders on Long Island, the Bruins are about to play seven games in 12 days. Obviously, if Rask isn’t able to play, Halak won’t play all of those so either Vladar or Swayman would be pressed into action.
Rask has played in 14 of the Bruins’ 22 games. He’s 8-4-2 with a 2.46 goals against average and .906 save percentage.
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