A look at Tuukka Rask’s fantastic mask for 2019 Winter Classic
Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask is paying tribute to Notre Dame with his new mask.
BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 29: Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the second period against the New York Islanders at TD Garden on November 29, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Tim Bradbury/Getty ImagesThe 2019 Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium will come with a new lid for Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask.
One that fits the venue perfectly, in fact.
Debuting the mask at Friday's practice at Warrior Ice Arena, Rask's special helmet features the Notre Dame Fighting Irish mascot, but wearing a Bruins toque and jersey, and with the infamous 'Play Like A Champion Today' slogan on the back.
It's worth mentioning that Rask seems to be a little superstitious when it comes to his lids, sticking with the roaring Bear with a golden 'Rask' along the chin for what's felt like more than a decade straight.
Rask debuted a Zakim Bridge themed mask in 2011, but surrendered five goals on 19 shots in the mask's debut and never went back to it. Rask said that the construction of the mask pinched his cheeks, making it an uncomfortable fit.
Rask also unveiled a pro-Sox, anti-Yankees mask at the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park, though the mask never saw the light of day, as Rask served as the backup to Tim Thomas in the 2-1 overtime victory. the 2016 Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium, but allowed five goals on 30 shots faced in the 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. (In Rask's defense, it was unlikely that he was going to wear a mask featuring Tom Brady on it for more than this one game, but still.)
The 31-year-old Rask is 8-8-2 with a .911 save percentage this season.
