Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask was thrown into a tizzy after a bizarre equipment malfunction led to the Lightning's second goal during Saturday's Game 1.
The blade to Rask's left skate fell off after it was struck by a shot from Tampa forward Brayden Point in the second period. As the blade lie in the crease, an immobilized Rask pleaded frantically to officials, waving for them to whistle play dead. Unfortunately, that's not how things work. And moments later, a point shot from Mikhail Sergachev found its way into the back of the net, trimming Boston's lead to 3-2.
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Tuukka has a wardrobe malfunction & the Bolts capitalize 🚨 pic.twitter.com/v88IUwgyP3
— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) April 28, 2018
Rask was none too pleased. He immediately grabbed the blade off the ice to show officials. When they shrugged, Rask burst into a tantrum, chucking the blade in disgust toward the boards (against his better judgment).
Tuukka Rask lost his skate blade, then his cool. #Bruins #TBL #BOSvsTBL #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/FPzkDoyMFG
— Spinorama 🔄 Hockey (@spinohockey) April 28, 2018
It was an unfortunate sequence for the Bruins and a stroke of bad luck for Rask, but language in the NHL rulebook plainly states officials aren't required to blow their whistle if a goalie loses his skate blade. An exception might be made if the equipment becomes a safety hazard to the goalie or another player. The NHL didn't see it that way.
Explanation of Mikhail Sergachev’s goal at 13:22 of the second period in the @NHLBruins / @TBLightning game. #BOSvsTBL #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/Tka30zKrde
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 28, 2018
NHL Rule 14.1 reads as follows:
Play shall not be stopped nor the game delayed by reasons of adjustments to clothing, equipment, skates or sticks. The onus of maintaining clothing and equipment in proper condition shall be upon the player. If adjustments are required, the player shall leave the ice and play shall continue with a substitute. No delay shall be permitted for the repair or adjustment of goalkeeper’s equipment. If adjustments are required, the goalkeeper shall leave the ice and his place shall be taken by the substitute goalkeeper immediately.
Had Rask simply maintained his composure long enough to make a save and cover the puck, none of this is an issue. Fortunately for the Bruins, he didn't linger over the ordeal for long. Rask repaired his blade and turned in one of his sharpest performances of the playoffs, stopping 34 of 36 Lightning shots in a 6-2 blowout to start the series.
