Tuukka Rask's Winter Classic mask set for display at Patriots Hall of Fame
It looks like Tuukka Rask does not want to hold on to the mask he wore in the Winter Classic. After the Boston Bruins' 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on New Year's Day, Rask apparently donated his special edition mask to the New England Patriots for display in the Patriots Hall of Fame at Gillette Stadium.
The mask was specially designed for the event and featured images of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Julian Edelman and kicker Stephen Gostowski. It will be displayed at the Patriots Hall of Fame's building blocks exhibit through June.
Via Patriots.com:
"We are thrilled that Tuukka Rask has allowed us to display such a unique item that he wore for just one game in our Hall,” said Hall Executive Director Bryan Morry. “The attention to detail is incredible and fans now have the opportunity to see what is truly a work of sports art."
Rask was one of many Bruins players who voiced his frustration with the way the Bruins played in the Winter Classic in his post-game press scrum. The goaltender called the effort "very disappointing," but despite giving up five goals in the game, Rask should not be burdened wit hthe blame for the loss. Most of the goals he allowed came on rebounds or shots from point-blank range as his defense failed to defend the net-front area.
But while the game did not end the way Bruins fans or Rask might have wished, the mask still remains as a great tribute to New England sports with its mix of Patriots and Bruins tributes. It is sure to be a popular item at the Patriots Hall of Fame.
