The Tuukka Rask era in Boston officially got underway tonight when the Boston Bruins travelled to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs.

The Finnish Rookie Rask kicked out 30 of 32 on the night, backstopping the Bruins to a 3-2 comeback win over the Leafs and fellow countryman Vesa Toskala.  Rask beat the team that drafted him in the first round two years ago, before trading him to the Bruins for goalie Andrew Rayrcroft.

Rask looked cool and calm throughout the night.  His best save might have come in the first period on a cross crease one timer by Darcy Tucker, Rask made a cat-like kick save, booting out his left leg to hold the fort down.  The lone Leaf goal of the period on Rask was a lucky bounce of the skate of Bruin Glen Metropolit off a Bryan McCabe shot which redirected past a surprised Rask.

Teams traded goals in the second period before the Bruins stormed back for three unanswered goals in the third to beat the Leafs. Chuck Kobasew scored with 3:31 left in the third period, giving the Bruins the go ahead goal. For the night, Toronto outshot Boston 32-25.

Rask’s solid debut might give him a few more starts in the coming weeks, possibly putting Tim Thomas on the trade block later in the season with the Bruins looking for some goal scoring help.

Welcome to Boston Tuukka.