Bruins grant Rask leave of absence

The Bruins said goaltender Tuukka Rask was granted a leave of absence from the team for a personal matter.

The team didn’t offer an explanation, but general manager Don Sweeney said shortly after the announcement Friday it wasn’t health related. He also asked for privacy on behalf of Rask.

Rask has started only seven of the Bruins’ 15 games this season and acknowledged being outplayed recently by Jaroslav Halak.

Rask came on in relief in the Bruins’ 8-5 loss to the Canucks on Thursday night. Halak was pulled after allowing five goals on 19 shots. Rask allowed three goals on the first eight shots he faced.

The Bruins, who host the Maple Leafs on Saturday, have dropped three of their last five games.

■ Winger Zach Parise reached 700 career points with a goal and an assist during the Wild’s 3-1 victory over the Kings on Thursday night in Los Angeles.