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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Tuukka Rask made his return to the TD Garden for the Bruins' 8-1 win over the Devils Thursday, but he was there as a guest of honor instead of a goaltender.
The Bruins honored Rask, who officially retired from hockey in February, with a pregame video and a ceremonial puck drop. Rask played his entire 15-year career with the Bruins, winning one Stanley Cup and one Vezina trophy.
Rask signed with the Bruins midway through the 2021-22 season after getting surgery in the offseason to repair a torn labrum in his hip. He played four games with the Bruins in 2022 before retiring because of injury. Prior to the game, Rask reflected on his decision to hang up his skates for good and said his hip just couldn't keep up with the day-to-day grind of playing goalie in the NHL.
"Most days it feels like yeah I mean I could do it but then I get a day or two where I am like thank god I don't have to put the gear on and go butterfly," Rask said. "There are days that feel great and hopefully it continues that way but I know that it just wouldn't hold if I played. I just keep that in the back of my mind."
Rask said now he's just looking forward to life after the game.
"[I'm going to play] a lot of golf, as much as I can, and tennis," Rask said. "It takes a lot of energy to be home and keep these kids in order so that will be enough for now. Our two-year-old especially is a lot of work."
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Rask ended his career as the Bruins' all-time leader in wins and ranks third in save percentage all-time in NHL history. He will continue to work with the Bruins as a team ambassador.
WBZ's Adam Kauffman (@AdamMKauffman) reports.
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