Wednesday was not the start Tuukka Rask — and the whole Boston Bruins team — was looking for when it came to opening the 2018-19 season.
Rask lasted roughly 27 minutes in the 7-0 trouncing against the Capitals, relinquishing five goals on 19 shots before getting the hook for backup Jaroslav Halak.
Rask was on the bench for the B’s second leg of their back-t0-back Thursday against the Sabres — a 4-0 victory in which Halak stopped 32 shots for the shutout.
While the obvious thinking is Rask will get the nod for Monday’s home opener against the Ottawa Senators, Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed a final decision has not been made, although it sounds like Rask has the inside track.
Speaking after Saturday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena, Rask said he’s not dwelling on his disastrous season-opening performance.
“I don’t want to get embarrassed again when we play,” Rask said. “That’s what I’m working on. Start from there. Get out there, get a win, feel good about yourself, and build (on) it.
“Every game is a new game. … The mindset doesn’t really change. … Good game or bad game, you (brush) it off right after and move on," he added. “Get some work done next time you get out there. Try to get a win in your next start. That's kind of your mindset throughout the year. It doesn’t matter how you play.”
?@tuukkarask on the team's mindset going forward: "Things go up and down and I think we just have to focus on the next game in front of us and try to build that foundation throughout the year…We'll try to continue that at home on Monday." pic.twitter.com/jlF6DPyZf4
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 6, 2018