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Bruins say Tuukka Rask will be out 4-6 weeks

Boston Bruins v New Jersey Devils

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 16: Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins is congratulated by Tuukka Rask #40 of the Boston Bruins after the Boston Bruins defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-1 at the Prudential Center on October 16, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images)

Christopher Pasatieri

If Tuukka Rask is going to make a further impact for the Boston Bruins this season, it will likely be if Tim Thomas falters in the playoffs. Boston announced that Rask will miss anywhere between four and six weeks with a groin injury/abdominal strain suffered while making a save this weekend.

This development is an even bigger bummer than usual for both parties.

From the Bruins’ perspective, they’ll likely need to lean on Thomas more than they might like going down the stretch. Boston still has a three-point lead and three games in hand on the Ottawa Senators for the Northeast Division title, but that gap could close rapidly if they need to turn to Michael Hutchinson or some other green backup to keep their 37-year-old star fresh going into the playoffs.

Update: the Bruins decided to be proactive as far as Thomas’ freshness by signing Marty Turco, who will join the team as long as he clears waivers. Rask won’t have to look over his shoulder, either, because Turco wont be eligible for playoff play.

Rask’s loss isn’t just in the starts he would receive. As a pending restricted free agent going into this summer, he might not get a chance to boost his numbers that much more.