In a stunning development, the Bruins announced Saturday morning that goalie Tuukka Rask has opted out of the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Rask released the following statement through the team:
"I want to be with my teammates competing, but at this moment there are things more important than hockey in my life, and that is being with my family. I want to thank the Bruins and my teammates for their support and wish them success."
The Bruins are set to take on the Hurricanes in Game 3 of their first-round series Saturday at noon. Jaroslav Halak now stands as the Bruins' clear No. 1 goalie, with either Dan Vladar or Max Lagace backing him up.
Dale Arnold reported on NESN's pregame show that he got a text from Rask saying that there was a "family emergency" but that everything is fine now. General manager Don Sweeney also said on a Zoom call with the media that Rask's family is safe and healthy, while also noting that it has been tough for Rask to be away from his wife and three young daughters, including a newborn.
""We understand completely where Tuukka's coming from," Sweeney said. "I don't think it's any big surprise to us, to be honest with you. We're privy to information maybe before the rest of the public is. This has been a difficult decision for Tuukka, but the Boston Bruins are in full support of why he made this decision."
For more of Sweeney's comments on the situation, click here.
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