Boston Bruins sign veteran goalie Marty Turco after Tuukka Rask goes down

BOSTON - The Boston Bruins added some depth to their crease Monday, signing veteran goalie Marty Turco for the rest of the season.

The move will help lighten the load on starter Tim Thomas after backup Tuukka Rask was injured over the weekend.

Turco will be placed on waivers and if he clears, the 36-year-old will join the Bruins on Wednesday.

Turco will not be eligible to play in the playoffs because he joined the team after the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

Rask was injured during Saturday's loss to the New York Islanders while stretching to make a save. The team said Monday the 24-year-old suffered a lower abdomen strain/groin strain and will be sidelined 4-6 weeks.

Turco has a 273-165-26-43 record with 41 shutouts in 538 regular-season games with the Dallas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks in his 10-year NHL career. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., native has also has a career .910 save percentage and a 2.35 goals-against average.

He spent some time this season with EC Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian first division, appearing in four regular-season games and six playoff games.

Rask has an 11-8-3 record in 2011-12 to go along with a 2.05 GAA and a .929 save percentage.

The Bruins take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre on Tuesday.