Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask gets start in 2019 NHL Winter Classic
The Bruins will ring in the 2019 on Tuukka-Time, as goaltender Tuukka Rask has been named the team’s starter for New Year’s Day’s head-to-head with the Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium.
#WinterClassic☘️ updates per Bruce Cassidy:
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) December 31, 2018
Tuukka Rask will start in goal.
Brad Marchand “looks good to go.”
Charlie McAvoy is out. “Hopefully he’s ready for Thursday.” pic.twitter.com/RDPAXmxeYi
The decision to go with Rask over Jaroslav Halak comes after Rask stopped 26-of-28 shots in a 3-2 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night. Overall, Rask is 9-8-2 with a .912 save percentage on the year.
This will be the second Winter Classic that the 31-year-old Rask has started in his NHL career. Rask was in net for Boston’s debacle of a Winter Classic in 2016, surrendering five goals on 30 shots thrown his way in a 5-1 loss at Gillette Stadium.
He’ll also get to bust out his sweet Notre Dame-styled mask.
Overall, Rask boasts a 4-2-1 record and .915 save percentage in eight career starts against the Blackhawks.
The Blackhawks, meanwhile, will counter with Cam Ward.
