Tuukka Rask has never been one to waste much time second-guessing or mincing words.
So when asked about his decision to hang up his gear after 15 years in the NHL, the B’s all-time winningest netminder was candid about knowing when his time on the ice had run out.
“It was an easy (decision),” Rask said Thursday ahead of his pregame ceremony at TD Garden. “I've always been pretty honest with myself. And I didn't want to go out there and play there at 60%, and just like, half-ass it, so to say. So, at the end of the day, it was pretty easy. Obviously, it's never easy to make tough decisions like that.
“But if you're honest with yourself, and you can't play at the level you and your teammates and the crowd expects, then why would you push it? … I had a great career, and I had no regrets.”
For most of his months-long rehab from offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in his hip, Rask experienced few red flags — beyond the obvious slow progression that was mapped out by his doctors.
But once he finally received the green light to return to game action, Rask quickly realized that his body could not hold up to the rigors of 60-plus minutes between the pipes night in and night out. After more physical issues began to sprout up in wake of a 5-3 loss to the Ducks on Jan. 24, Rask came to terms with the fact that his time on an NHL roster was spent.
"It was just, I couldn't hold the everyday grind, practicing and playing. … I felt really good during the rehab, I was skating — started like, twice a week, going three times a week, four times a week,” Rask acknowledged. “And it was fine. But I was by myself or with the coach or one guy shooting. So it's a little different from live action in a game or a practice.
"And then, playing that Anaheim game, I kind of stretched and tweaked my groin and hip a little bit, and then it just kept aggravating even more, and then it was just kind of time to be honest with yourself. And I figured that, I could have kept pushing. But what's the benefit for me playing at 60% and kind of taking time off, taking a week off here, taking two weeks off and kind of taking a spot away from (Jeremy Swayman). So I just figured it's better and more beneficial for everybody to call it.”
These days, the 35-year-old netminder is enjoying retired life — getting in plenty of golf and ferrying his daughters to school.
Even though his time on the ice in a black-and-gold sweater has now come and gone, the affable netminder and his family will remain in the Greater Boston area for the time being — with Rask remaining with the Bruins organization as a corporate ambassador.
"I'll be hanging out with sponsors, golfing and shaking hands in suites, whatnot,” Rask said, adding: “I was intrigued about the business side of things anyways.”
Rask hasn’t ruled out a potential career in coaching further down the road, even though the golf courses currently beckon more than a chilly rink.
Still, given Rask’s unique situation as an NHL netminder that has spent his entire career in the pressure cooker that is the Boston market, he’s already expressed a commitment in serving as a resource for Swayman, offering far more than technical advice and other tips related to their shared craft.
“He's a great kid, he's got a great head on his shoulders,” Rask said of Swayman. “Very talented. So, I was kind of looking forward to that — being a mentor on the ice. Obviously, it didn't work out that way. But now, when I'm on the other side, not playing more, we still have that connection and we communicate. And I try to help any way I can.
“I think mostly, from me to him, it's gonna be helping guide him mentally, I think. I know what it's like to play here as a young goalie. There's a lot of pressure on you. So I told him right after I retired, like, 'Call me if you need anything and just make sure that you don't get too high or too low.' Because it's easy to kind of snowball from that either way. So that's where I'm kind of looking forward to helping out.”
After that disappointing loss to the Ducks in what stood as an unceremonious ending to Rask’s playing career, the B’s longtime goalie finally received a proper send-off on Thursday night — taking in the cheers from a packed TD Garden crowd ahead of Boston’s 8-1 win over the Devils.
Even though Rask noted that he’s more comfortable striding out to the ice in full goalie gear instead of a suit, he relished the chance to finally get some closure and cap off his B’s career on a high note — dropping the ceremonial puck as part of the pregame festivities.
After being the center of attention as the man entrenched in the crease for the Bruins for more than a decade, Rask is finally looking forward to rubbing elbows in the stands for the foreseeable future.
“I think in any sport, this is a great, great city to play for — the fans are very supportive," Rask noted. "And they're very into their sports. And during the time I was playing, it was great because we were doing good and the house was packed every night. So it just brings you that extra energy. They're always very supportive when they run into you around town and saying how much they appreciate what we do on and off the ice.
“So I feel like I have a great relationship with them. And I'm looking forward to celebrating with a bunch of them in the stands tonight and a bunch of people who are watching at home and also joining them on that side now — we can cheer together and chirp together. Happy to be on that side.”