Bruins confirm the worst for Tuukka Rask

A tough blow fell on the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night moments after the puck was dropped on the ice against the Blue Jackets in Columbus.

Their starting goalie Tuukka Rask took a jab to the head from Emil Bemstrom and went down in his crease. The trainer rushed to help him out and the netminder immediately headed down the tunnel to the quiet room.

He did not return to the contest, which the Bruins lost 3-0, getting shut out for the first time of the season. 

After the loss, head coach Bruce Cassidy revealed that Rask suffered a concussion and was mostly upset that the play went uncalled and no penalty was assessed. 

“It’s an elbow to the head and they didn’t call it.”

As for now, the Bruins did not provide a timeline for a potential return for Rask. 

Earlier this week, Rask had turned down the invitation to attend the All-Star Game. While he was expected to get the mandatory one-game suspension from the league, he could avoid the ban if he is still injured. 

Bemstrom commented the hit after his team's victory and was adamant that it was unintentional, per team insider Aaron Portzline. 

“It wasn’t on purpose, of course,” he said. "It’s awful. I don’t want to hurt anyone. That’s not my kind of play. It’s just unlucky."”