Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask to start do-or-die Game 6 against Islanders
Tuukka Rask is ready to go.
The Boston Bruins netminder will be back between the pipes for Wednesday's Game 6 against the New York Islanders, head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed.
Rask's availability was put into question after he exited Monday's Game 5 loss before the third period with an unspecified injury. Rookie goaltender Jeremy Swayman filled in, stopping two of three shots.
Rask hasn't been 100% healthy for most of the 2020-21 season. He missed about one month earlier this season due to a suspected back injury. When he returned for a game against the Islanders in March, he suffered an upper-body injury and missed even more time.
The 34-year-old also admitted last month that his health isn't as good as he wants it to be, and Cassidy said earlier in the playoffs that his goaltender is not 100%.
Wednesday's Game 6 is a do-or-die for Boston. If the Bruins win, Game 7 will be Friday night at TD Garden. If they lose, the Islanders will move on to the next round.
Rask is in the final year of his eight-year, $56 million deal with the Bruins. He has not yet begun contract negotiations with Boston management, but the two sides plan to work something out during the offseason.
The native of Finland has said he wants to remain in Boston and has no intention of playing anywhere else.
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