Tuukka Rask will be suspended by the NHL

The NHL won’t be pleased with this but Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask made his decision official late last night, announcing that he will skip the All-Star Game at the end of the month due to personal reasons. 

“I had to be kind of selfish,” said Rask. “This game (falls) right basically in the middle of our bye week, so wouldn’t be able to do anything with family.

“So, just kind of a selfish decision to spend time with the family and go away and get your mind, body rejuvenated and be ready for the last couple busy months of the season.”

Rask is therefore expected to serve his penalty, a one-game suspension, in the Bruins’ first game following the All-Star break. He joins Vegas Golden Knights’ Marc-Andre Fleury and Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin, who have also decided to skip out on the event. 

Fellow goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy will replace Rask at the annual festivities. He will represent the Tampa Bay Lightning alongside defenseman Victor Hedman.