Boston Bruins: Tuukka Rask’s mask for Winter Classic is sick

Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask isn’t a stranger to Winter Classic’s and will be wearing a new mask On New Years Day.

Goalies are a privileged group of players for one reason only, they get to show some style on the ice. Some of the masks that goalies have worn belong in an art museum. Tuukka Rask will be styling and profiling when the Boston Bruins head outdoors on New Year’s Day.

At practice on Friday, the team decided to test out the gear they will be wearing for the Winter Classic. That meant that fans would get a sneak peek at what Rask will be wearing.

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Rask’s mask is a beauty. Since the Boston Bruins are playing at Notre Dame it is an homage to the school. It also helps that there is a long Irish history in Boston.

On the top of the mask is a Bruins version of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo. The only alterations are that the brawler is wearing a Bruins Winter Classic jersey as well as a Bruins Winter Classic hat.

Then on the back of the helmet, we see the legendary “Play Like A Champion Today” sign that players tap on their way out to the field.

Now it is one thing to read a description of the mask and another to actually see it. Take a look at this masterpiece.

Will Rask even play?

Now the question is will Tuukka Rask even play? The goalie is starting in Saturday’s tilt against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Bruins haven’t been afraid to put Jaroslav Halak in between the pipes. As of late, the goalies have been splitting goaltender duties more often than usual.

Rask also isn’t playing that great. In his last 5 games, he is giving up 3 goals a night on average Those aren’t the numbers you want to see from your starting goaltender.

Also, Rask struggled in his only prior appearance in the Winter Classic. In 2016 the Boston Bruins played the Canadians at Gillette Stadium and Rask gave up 5 goals.

It will be interesting to see if Tuukka Rask gets a chance to redeem himself this year or if we will see Jaroslav Halak between the pipes.

One thing we know for certain is that Rask will look good if he plays against the Chicago Blackhawks.