Boston Bruins sign veteran netminder Marty Turco to replace injured Tuukka Rask-NHL News
The 2011-2012 National Hockey League (NHL) regular season is certainly over for Boston Bruins’ netminder, Tuukka Rask, who is out due to a lower body injury for a month at least and the management being aware of the fact has brought in his replacement.
Rask left the side during the game against the New York Islanders on Saturday, March 03, 2012, and now it is confirmed that he will need four to six weeks to recover and return.
The injury came into first few minutes of the second period of the game, which Bruins lost by a goal with final score at 2-3. Tim Thomas replaced Rask and kept the net for the rest of the game.
Rask’s medical examination has shown that he is suffering from a lower abdomen/groin strain and will need rest of nearly a month to recover.
Bruins released an official statement on Monday, March 05, 2012, confirming the news and stipulated rehabilitation time.
Peter Chiarelli, the general manager, said in the statement:
"Tuukka Rask sustained a lower abdomen strain/groin strain and will be sidelined 4-6 weeks.”
Rask’s injury has come when the league is almost into its third quarter and with about 20 odd games left in the regular season, it is unlikely for the netminder to get fit and re-join the squad before the playoffs.
He will have an opportunity to play for the team in the regular season provided he is able to recover and declared fit in less than four weeks.
Meanwhile, Bruins, being hundred per cent certain about Rask’s absence for a month at least, have signed another goaltender.
The 36-year-old veteran, Marty Turco, is reported to be their new signee, who has been given one-year contract initially, but he will have to clear all waivers before declaring the eligibility for joining the side.
Neither of the parties has disclosed the terms of the deal.
On the possibility of clearing all the waivers, Turco is expected to remain the netminder for the rest of the regular season and if the team manages a berth in the playoffs, he is likely to play the initial few games of the second round.
While representing Dallas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks, Turco has played 538 games in his NHL career with a record of 273-165-26-40.
He now stands an opportunity of playing quite a few more games and will certainly be looking to consolidate the record further.
Bruins are heading to Toronto on a two-game road trip on Tuesday, March 06, 2012, and it is not clear if the new netminder will be accompanying them.
They might be relying on Tim Thomas again, as he has already done this during their weekend game against the Islanders.
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