Tuukka Rask will return the Boston Bruins' crease on Tuesday night against the Nashville Predators.

Rask missed Saturday’s 2-1 win over the New York Islanders with a lower-body injury, something that has caused him to miss some time already this season.

The bigger question might not be Rask’s health, but his play of late. Over the last five games – four of which the Bruins have lost – he has allowed 18 goals, yielding a save percentage of .855.

Meanwhile, backup goalie Anton Khudobin has been on fire lately, winning his last five starts and allowing just eight goals over that span. That’s good for a save percentage of .924.

According to Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy, Rask is still their guy.

“[Rask] is our number one goalie, and we’re not skirting our way around that issue,” Cassidy told the Boston Herald. “He’s our number one, and his health is very important.”

Cassidy confirmed Rask was starting after the Bruins morning skate Tuesday.

Rask, a former Vezina Trophy winner, has regressed a bit this season after a very strong start. His .910 save percentage is below his career average of .922 and is the lowest it’s been since his rookie year in 2007-08.

Some questioned Rask’s inability to suit up Saturday, similar to when he missed the regular season finale last year – a 6-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators – and the Bruins fell out of a playoff spot.

The stakes are almost as high this time. The Bruins (84 points) currently hold the second wild-card spot with seven games to go and sit just one point ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning (83). 

The Lightning will host the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday.