Tuukka Rask (Photo Credit: Steph Phillips)
Today a third member of the Boston Bruins has signed with the Czech Republic. Bruins top goaltender Tuukka Rask signed with the Czech Extra League team NC Plzen. Rask stated earlier this summer that, although he had played for the Finnish League up through 2007 and would be playing with his brother Joonas. He stated he would not play for them should there be a lockout. Instead he chose to return to the Czech Republic where the Bruins played pre-season games in 2010, the year of their Cup run.
For Rask, the extra play should do him good and help build his confidence. Being out of play since March he can use the extra game time to get him ready for the top spot. While his athleticism and elite-ness are not in question, playing against some of the best players in the world can’t exactly hurt the budding star. Last season he was 11-8-3 with a 2.04 GAA and a .929 save percentage for the B’s while splitting time with Tim Thomas. Like all of the other players heading overseas Rask has an “out” clause for when the lockout ends. Looks like the new wardrobe of jerseys just got a little bit longer.
A Cup A Bruin 