Tuukka Rask Shows Off Amazing Skills During Bruins Alumni Benefit Game

BOSTON — Retired Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask made his share of spectacular saves during his 15 years backstopping the Black and Gold.

Since retiring, Rask traded in his goalie pads to play forward for the Boston Bruins Alumni Association. The 2014 Vezina Trophy winner flashed some amazing skills in the Black and Gold’s benefit game against the Warrior For Life Fund last weekend at Warrior Ice Arena. The 37-year-old Finland native recorded a goal and had an amazing backhand feed to Adam McQuaid for his goal in Boston’s 9-5 victory.

“Well, you know, trying to blend in,” Rask told NESN.com about his two-point performance. “I used to skate when I was a kid. I mean, I never played (forward), but I skated out in backyard games and stuff, but I never played (forward in a game).”

Former Bruins goalie Tim Thomas, who served as one of the coaches during the “Faceoff for Heroes” game wasn’t shocked to see his former teammate play so well.

“I’m not surprised. I played some forward when I was younger, too,” Thomas told NESN.com. “Goalies are sneaky good forwards a lot of the time. You still look like a goalie playing forward, right? But yeah, he’s got some good hands.”

Rask is certainly ready to let someone else protect the crease — he faced 15,575 shots across 564 games with the Bruins.

“I think it’s time to let other guys play in net,” Rask said. “I’ve played enough. I enjoy playing out, scoring goals and skating around.”

Retired goaltender and NESN Bruins analyst Andrew Raycroft also plays forward whenever he suits up for the Black and Gold and Thomas hinted at possibly lacing up his skates next year.

“Maybe I’ll come back as a forward,” Thomas said. “I don’t know. I mean, I’m already 1-0 as a coach, I might just retire.”

Rask will follow Thomas’ example when he coaches the Alumni against the Matt Light Foundation this weekend.