Bruins’ Rask ‘unfit to play’ vs. Flyers; Halak to get start

HC analyst Kelly Hrudey joins SN Central to predict what will happen in the Eastern Conference, why the Flyers could be the darkhorse, why the Maple Leafs vs. Jackets series is most intriguing, and why the Bruins should be the last team standing.

Boston Bruins starting goaltender Tuukka Rask will not play in their opening round-robin matchup against Philadelphia Flyers as he has been ruled “unfit to play,” according to head coach Bruce Cassidy.

Jaroslav Halak will get the start in goal while Dan Vladar will serve as the team’s backup since Rask will not be able to dress. The starter missed Saturday’s practice but was feeling better on Sunday.

“He wasn’t feeling well, so unfit to participate today,” Cassidy said after practice on Saturday. “As an afternoon game tomorrow, 3 o’clock, I’m sure the follow-up question is will he start? I’ll have to talk to Tuukka later, see where he’s at. If not, (Jaroslav Halak) will be ready to go.”

Halak went 18-6-6 in 31 games this season, posting a 2.39 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage.

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