Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy (73) crashes into Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first overtime in game one of the first round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Tuukka Rask to start in goal for Bruins in Game 2 vs. Hurricanes

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Aug 13, 2020 2:01 PM ET

Tuukka Rask isn't one to play in back-to-back games very often, but an unfamiliar situation has caused Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy to give his No. 1 goaltender the nod on Thursday.

After a shaky Game 1 start against the Hurricanes, Rask will start in the crease for Boston during Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup Playoffs series against Carolina.

#NHLBruins coach Bruce Cassidy looks ahead to tonight's Game 2 against the Hurricanes and confirms that Tuukka Rask will start in goal: pic.twitter.com/Ox8Pn5ekxL
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 13, 2020

Although the Bruins came out victorious during double overtime in Game 1, Rask allowed two goals on nine shots through two periods of action — not exactly ideal for a goaltender who has been nominated for the Vezina Trophy this season.

Rask stopped a total of 25 shots in the 4-3 double-OT victory, though he should've saved at least two goals to begin with, which would've prevented overtime.

With Boston taking a 1-0 series lead, Cassidy probably feels confident enough to give Rask another shot on Thursday night.

The 33-year-old netminder is among the best postseason performers the Bruins have ever seen protect their crease, so it makes sense to let him redeem himself in Game 2.

Dating back to last year's Eastern Conference Final, the Hurricanes have not won a playoff game against the Bruins, who have won five straight playoff games against Carolina.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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