Halak gets nod vs. Flyers with Rask unfit to play

The Boston Bruins will turn to netminder Jaroslav Halak for their opening round-robin game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday with starter Tuukka Rask deemed unfit to play, head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed, according to The Boston Globe's Matt Porter.

Rask was feeling ill Saturday and missed practice. Cassidy says the Finnish puck-stopper is "feeling better," and the bench boss is hopeful Rask will get back on the ice Monday.

Halak enjoyed a strong 2019-20 campaign, posting an 18-6-6 record with a 2.39 goals-against average and .919 save percentage over 31 appearances.

The Bruins' goaltending duo earned the William M. Jennings Trophy this season, which is awarded to the goalies on the team that allows the fewest goals.