Rask takes torch from Thomas in net as Bruins hope short season benefits their veteran roster

Providence Bruins' Maxime Sauve (7) scores a goal against Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) as Boston's Brad Marchand (63) watches during an NHL hockey scrimmage at TD Garden in Boston, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. Providence defeated Boston 7-5. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) (The Associated Press)

Fans reach out to Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara (33) and goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) as they take the ice for an NHL hockey scrimmage against the Providence Bruins at TD Garden in Boston, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) (The Associated Press)

The Boston Bruins are hoping they can take advantage of the shortened season with a veteran team that's largely the same as last year.

The big difference is the absence of goalie Tim Thomas, who has decided to sit out a season. The team has placed the two-time Vezina Trophy winner on the suspended list.

That means Tuukka Rask is the No. 1 goalie for now. Rask had the job in 2010 when Thomas struggled with a hip injury.

The Bruins were the defending Stanley Cup champions when they won the Northeast Division last year. But were bounced from the playoffs in the first round in seven games by the Washington Capitals.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/rask-takes-torch-from-thomas-in-net-as-bruins-hope-short-season-benefits-their-veteran-roster