Bruins G Tuukka Rask opts out of NHL playoffs ahead of Game 3 vs. Canes

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask has opted out of the team’s playoff run.

The Vezina Trophy finalist — and winner of the top goaltender award in 2014 — said in a statement Saturday morning before Game 3 of Boston’s playoff series against Carolina that “at this moment there are things more important than hockey in my life, and that is being with my family.”

Rask led the NHL with a 2.12 goals-against average and was second in save percentage and shutouts.

Boston and Carolina are tied 1-1 in the best-of-seven series. After a 3-2 loss on Thursday night, Rask said he complained that the NHL’s fan-free playoffs lacked the usual intensity.

“It doesn’t feel like playoff hockey out there. There’s no fans, so it’s kind of like an exhibition game,” he said. “It just feels dull at times.”

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