Return of the Rask (?)

Mueller's Twin Grannies

critical thinker
SoSH Member
Dec 19, 2009
9,386
The "Tuukka Sucks" brigade is going to be pining for his return REALLY soon when they realize that he was so much better in his prime than either of the two guys currently suiting up.

Dude should have won as a starter and got the Conn Smythe and would have if not for this fucking morally bankrupt league and bullshit officiating (and Marchand).

Fuck the Blues.

Thanks Tuukka, sorry you won't be remembered for anything else than not being Tim "Not Gonna Go Shake the Black Man's Hand Because I'm Mad My Guy Didn't Win and Would Rather Subscribe to Bullshit Conspiracy Theory and Tribalism Than Be a Team Player" Thomas.
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,100
I've been out of the loop, what happened?
He had a rough couple of games after his return (14 goals allowed in 4 games with an 84% save percentage). Then he missed a couple of games prior to the All Star Break. Originally reported as "lower body injury". Later confirmed by Cassidy to be his surgically repaired hip, but was expected to be available shortly after the break. Then over the weekend Cassidy mentioned a setback of some sorts and said he would miss a couple of more games at least.

So not surprising the result is a retirement.
 

Myt1

educated, civility-loving ass
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Mar 13, 2006
41,580
South Boston
The "Tuukka Sucks" brigade is going to be pining for his return REALLY soon when they realize that he was so much better in his prime than either of the two guys currently suiting up.

Dude should have won as a starter and got the Conn Smythe and would have if not for this fucking morally bankrupt league and bullshit officiating (and Marchand).

Fuck the Blues.

Thanks Tuukka, sorry you won't be remembered for anything else than not being Tim "Not Gonna Go Shake the Black Man's Hand Because I'm Mad My Guy Didn't Win and Would Rather Subscribe to Bullshit Conspiracy Theory and Tribalism Than Be a Team Player" Thomas.
Have you followed anything about Tim Thomas, post-career?
 

Burn Out

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 19, 2005
282
Probably in Traffic
The "Tuukka Sucks" brigade is going to be pining for his return REALLY soon when they realize that he was so much better in his prime than either of the two guys currently suiting up.

Dude should have won as a starter and got the Conn Smythe and would have if not for this fucking morally bankrupt league and bullshit officiating (and Marchand).

Fuck the Blues.

Thanks Tuukka, sorry you won't be remembered for anything else than not being Tim "Not Gonna Go Shake the Black Man's Hand Because I'm Mad My Guy Didn't Win and Would Rather Subscribe to Bullshit Conspiracy Theory and Tribalism Than Be a Team Player" Thomas.
This makes no sense. In 2022 Tuuka is injured, and clearly not as good as 2013 Tuuka, so the haters are going to wish a time-traveling Tuuka would return?

And good job dragging 2012 Tim Thomas into it and calling him a racist. I almost missed that part.
 

TSC

SoSH's Doug Neidermeyer
SoSH Member
Oct 25, 2007
12,280
Between here and everywhere.
This makes no sense. In 2022 Tuuka is injured, and clearly not as good as 2013 Tuuka, so the haters are going to wish a time-traveling Tuuka would return?

And good job dragging 2012 Tim Thomas into it and calling him a racist. I almost missed that part.
It’s 2022. He’s been a Bruin for what, 13? 14 years? And you still don’t know how to spell his name properly?
 

joe dokes

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 18, 2005
30,243
He didn't quite "go out on his own terms," but, to the extent it matters to him, he wont have any regrets about not giving it a shot. Hopefully there's no long-lasting damage and he gets the saluut he deserves.
 

burstnbloom

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 12, 2005
2,761
It’s 2022. He’s been a Bruin for what, 13? 14 years? And you still don’t know how to spell his name properly?
There is a whole slogan that should help people figure it out. 2 U's, 2K's, 2 points. I'm sorry to hear this news. He's the best goaltender of my bruins fandom by far. Timmy had one of the best seasons in history in 2011 but his peak was short. Tuukka has been an above average to elite goalie for 10 years depending on the year. The playoffs are a tough animal. If Mike Richards doesn't break Krejci's wrist. If Johnny Boychuk doesn't blow a coverage, if referees didn't hate the bruins, maybe Tuukka ends up with a cup or 2. It really sucks that he didn't get one. I hate that he goes out like this but he will be missed.
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,100
It seems Rask's biggest advantage is the one that leads him to be overlooked, and it was that he was consistently very good in a boring kind of way. His peak was excellent, but even in his non-peak years he was consistently above average.

He is probably the longest of long shots to make the hockey Hall of Fame. However, he should inarguably have a place in the Bruins Hall of Fame, and will probably have a spot in the equivalent in Finland as well.
 

kenneycb

Hates Goose Island Beer; Loves Backdoor Play
SoSH Member
Dec 2, 2006
16,090
Tuukka's refugee camp
It was also his style. He was a very calm goalie that relied on positioning and angles. That's effective but not as fun as Thomas or Hasek flopping around the crease to make a save.
 

Jungleland

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 2, 2009
2,351
Sad that it has to end like this, really wish he got his own Cup. From that video of him absolutely losing his shit in the minors to some really great runs it's been a really good ride.
 

Salem's Lot

Andy Moog! Andy God Damn Moog!
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
14,465
Gallows Hill
It seems Rask's biggest advantage is the one that leads him to be overlooked, and it was that he was consistently very good in a boring kind of way. His peak was excellent, but even in his non-peak years he was consistently above average.

He is probably the longest of long shots to make the hockey Hall of Fame. However, he should inarguably have a place in the Bruins Hall of Fame, and will probably have a spot in the equivalent in Finland as well.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he got in the hall of fame. His career numbers compare favorably with other guys from his era that will probably get in, he took his team to two Stanley Cup Finals. Plus, the things that many Boston fans hold against him will not be held against him by HOF voters.
 

LogansDad

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 15, 2006
29,070
Alamogordo
Also sad it ends this way. Should have added a Conn Smyth and a Stanley Cup to his resume against St Louis, he deserved to win that series.

Will likely never get his due from the fanbase and Boston sports media, but, like Salem's Lot, I would not be surprised at all if he gets into the Hall of Fame.