Tuukka Rask's return to game action didn't last long.
In his first game since March 7, Rask made it just one period before departing with an upper-body injury. He will not return to the game.
It's unclear if it's the same injury he was already dealing with, or if this is something new.
Rask was going for his 300th career win Thursday night. Had the Bruins held on (they were winning 2-0 when he left the game), he would have gotten credit. They did not, however, losing 4-3 in overtime.
Rask suffered what appeared to be a back injury late in the third period of the Bruins' game against the Devils on March 7. The team initially believed it wasn't anything serious, but it lingered and wound up forcing him to miss several weeks.
Rask traveled with the team on their most recent road trip and was a possibility to start Saturday in Buffalo, but that game wound up being postponed by the Bruins' COVID situation.
Like everyone else on the trip, he had to quarantine for the next five days, so he didn't get any on-ice work in during that time. Rask was on the ice for Wednesday night's practice.
Coach Bruce Cassidy did say pregame that they wished they could've gotten Rask a few more shots during a morning skate Thursday, but the morning skate wound up getting canceled due to a scheduling conflict at Warrior Ice Arena, which was being prepared for the NWHL's Isobel Cup playoffs.
Cassidy said Rask was feeling good Thursday, though, hence giving him the start. The Bruins coach didn't have any update after the game, saying only that he'd know more Friday.
Jaroslav Halak came on in relief of Rask to start the second period Thursday. If Rask is forced to miss any more time, the Bruins would likely call up Dan Vladar again.
Vladar made his first career start last week, stopping 34 of the 35 shots he faced in a win over the Penguins. He could potentially start again as soon as this weekend if Rask is out, as the Bruins play back-to-back days Saturday and Sunday.
