Rask Re-Injured (UPDATED)

Tuukka Rask went for a butterfly save in the second and never got back up (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)

While in between the pipes for HC Plzen Tuukka Rask suffered what was later determined to be a groin injury.  He played the first period and never returned.  Just to remind you, last season Tuukka sat out for 4-6 weeks with a lower body injury and returned in time for the last few games of the playoffs. Coming into this season Rask was to take on the role of starting goaltender for the Bruins, with Tim Thomas taking the year off to focus on friends,family and faith.  This injury could be some serious bad news for the Bruins as they are relying solely on the Finnish goaltender to carry them into cup contention should the season begin.

When healthy last season he had a 2.05GAA and .929 save percentage.  When he went down March 3 against he Islanders the bruins signed goaltender Marty Turco to a deal.  With Turco remaining unsigned and Thomas out of the picture the Bruins have net minder Anton Khudobin to look at.  While he made a stellar debut in the single game he played in for the Bruins, he has yet to really prove himself.  However, it seems as though he may get a chance to sooner than later should this injury be serious.

Entering this season Rask was signed to a one-year contract, one that would be based merely on how he was able to handle the 55-60 game schedule that was being entrusted upon him along with a probable post-season playoff run.

With so much responsibility relying on Rask’s shoulders and the severity of the injury unknown, it doesn’t look good for him or the Bruins team should a season commence in the coming month.

[UPDATE: OCTOBER 24,2012 9:45AM] Tuukka did not re-injure himself.  He felt a little tweak stemming from the March injury and decided to sit out the rest of the game.  He is expected to play in Friday’s game for HC Plzen.