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Angry Tuukka Rask throws skate blade after equipment malfunction

By Donya Abramo

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April 28, 2018 7:32 pm

On Saturday, the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning faced off during Game One of their second-round series in the 2017-18 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Bruins came out on top, with an impressive 6-2 win over the Bolts. However, they could have easily held Tampa to one goal, if not for an equipment malfunction.

During the second period, Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask lost his skate blade. He attempted to get the attention of the referees, to no avail, and Tampa capitalized on the opportunity. Rask, understandably, was not the happiest of goalies.

Video

The sequence of events unfolded as follows. As Rask made a save on a Tampa attempt, his skate blade came off.

Rask immediately attempted to get the attention of the referee as play continued. He struggled to make further saves as the Bolts barraged him with shots. Mikhail Sergachev eventually scored.

Rask retrieved the blade, brandishing it angrily in the direction of the referees, before throwing it across the ice when it became clear that the goal would stand. There was also no resulting penalty for Rask throwing his blade.

Here’s another angle of Rask’s reaction. He was really, really, really not happy. At all.

Unfortunately for Rask, and the Bruins, any equipment malfunction — other than for a goaltender’s mask — does not result in a stoppage of play.

Per Rule 14.1, and as pointed out by The Score’s Ian McLaren:

Rule 14 – Adjustment to Clothing or Equipment

14.1 Adjustment to Clothing or Equipment – 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.

NHL PR later released a statement regarding the decision to allow the goal to stand, citing the rule.

At least the fans are having some fun with what happened. Though the reaction may have been different, had the Bruins lost the game.

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