The Boston Bruins announced this morning that starting goalie Tuukka Rask has opted out of the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Toronto.

The announcement came less than two hours before the Bruins noon Game 3 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Rask issued a statement that said “I want to be with my teammates competing, but at this moment there are things more important than hockey in my life, and that is being with my family.

“I want to thank the Bruins and my teammates for their support and wish them success.”

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said there were no emergency health issues with Rask’s family

“They’re going to have their Dad back on a regular basis,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said, later adding “I think you can rightfully infer that Tuukka was having a tough time being away in this environment.

“The priority for Tuukka is his family and we support that.”

Jaroslav Halak will now be the Bruins No. 1 goalie going forward.