Philadelphia Flyers: Bruins’ Rask “uncertain to play” against Philadelphia

The Flyers could come into their opening round robin game without facing the Bruins top goaltender.

While their road does not truly get easier, the Flyers could have a better chance going into Sunday’s game. Tuukka Rask was unavailable at the Bruins practice on Saturday.

Head coach Bruce Cassidy mentioned that their is some uncertainly that Rask would be good to go for tomorrow. If so, that would mean Jarolsav Halak would get the start for Boston. That’s not the end all be all for them, however.

Halak played well this season, appearing in 31 games this season. He went 18-6-6, posting a 2.39 GAA and a .919 SV%. He saw some time in the exhibition loss to the Blue Jackets. Halak stopped all 10 shots he faced.

Halak has only played against the Flyers 19 times during his career. He is 10-6-3 against them. He appeared in two games against them this season, letting up seven goals altogether. Five of those goals coming in the 6-5 shootout loss back in January.

The Flyers are typically used to seeing Rask in net against them, though he only appeared on one game against them this season. Though, it was a 36-save shutout. And Rask has more overall experience against Philadelphia.

In 22 games, Rask touts an impressive 15-2-4 record. His .934 SV% is among the best against all teams he has faced in his career. So is his 1.94 GAA. Rask is typically dialed in when he faces the Flyers.

Boston has been known to split their goaltending duties fairly evenly, though. So it’s not as if Halak would be coming in completely cold into this one.

No matter what happens, it is important to get off on the right foot starting tomorrow. The Flyers have their lineup ready to go. It will feature their starting goaltender in Carter Hart.

He will still have a tough group of players to face. Especially with Brad Marchand confirmed to be in the lineup.

It may not change the gameplay completely, but Rask’s availability is something to keep an eye on. We will probably not know until tomorrow if he will be available. So the Flyers will have to plan for either goaltender to be in the lineup.

Seeing Halak instead of Rask wouldn’t be the worst, though.