Newsletter Signup
Stay up to date on all the latest news from Boston.com
Morning sports update: Bruce Cassidy explained why he stuck with Tuukka Rask
Cassidy said he has "no regrets" about the decision.
The Red Sox lost to the Blue Jays 18-4 on Sunday. Toronto mashed eight home runs, sending Boston starter Martin Perez from the game having recorded just four outs.
And Patriots mandatory mini camp is underway, but cornerback Stephon Gilmore is not present:
Bruce Cassidy on Tuukka Rask: Following the Bruins’ playoff exit, there were some lingering questions about Bruce Cassidy’s decision to stick with goaltender Tuukka Rask.
Rask, 34, suffered a torn labrum in his hip, and was playing with an injury during Boston’s playoff run.
“He felt ready to go, so then it goes on to me to make the final call,” Cassidy told reporters. “Who gives us the best chance to win? And I chose Tuukka. No regrets on that. We felt he gave us the best chance to win. It didn’t work out that way.”
Advertisement:
Cassidy noted that he evaluated Rask against Bruins backup Jeremy Swayman, but chose to continue with Rask.
“Once we get all the information from Tuukka that he was good to go, then you say start factoring in performance, does the other guy give you a better chance to win?” Cassidy explained. “As I said, we felt Tuukka’s performance — other than Game 5 — was very good, and it’s perfectly normal for a goalie to have an off-night. You’re more worried, was it because of an injury? Is it because you’re off? Is it because of the team in front of you.”
Advertisement:
“We clarified the next day he was ready to go and fit,” Cassidy added, “so we stuck with him.”
Trivia: What is the only country to win back-to-back UEFA European Championships in the competition’s history?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: It happened in the 21st century.
More from Boston.com:
- 5 possible teams for a Kemba Walker trade if the Celtics decide to move on
- Martin Perez, Red Sox coaches say sticky substance crackdown isn’t reason for recent struggles
- NBA playoff TV ratings are up, and having fans in the stands may be a big reason why
- A longtime NBA insider doesn’t think the Celtics will have a hard time trading Kemba Walker
- Matt Judon enjoys trash talking with Tom Brady, even though it’s ‘not cordial’
- Jays slam 8 home runs, crush Red Sox at Fenway 18-4
- Novak Djokovic tops Stefanos Tsitsipas at French Open for Slam No. 19
- Christian Eriksen sends ‘his greetings’ to teammates after collapse
- In Jae Crowder, the Suns have an enforcer with some flair
- ‘The exact same butterflies’: Chris Hogan likened his PLL debut to his first NFL game
- Jerry Remy is ‘feeling better’ after leaving Friday’s Red Sox game due to shortness of breath
Bill Belichick’s Monday press conference:
Patrik Schick’s incredible goal for the Czech Republic: The Czech forward gave his side a 2-0 lead against Scotland on Monday morning.
Colombia’s perfectly choreographed goal in Copa America on Sunday: Edwin Cardona’s goal was the difference in a 1-0 win over Ecuador.
On this day: In 1998, Michael Jordan made the steal on Karl Malone before hitting “the shot” in his final game with the Bulls. Chicago rallied to win, clinching Jordan’s sixth title.
Daily highlight: Down 2-0 to the Netherlands, Ukraine jumpstarted a comeback effort on Sunday in Euro 2020 thanks to Andriy Yarmolenko’s long range curler. The Netherlands still prevailed 3-2, but Yarmolenko notched one of the goals of the tournament.
Trivia answer: Spain
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com