Tuukka Rask looked tired and defeated after the Islanders beat the Bruins in six games. “We’re all getting older and we’re not going to last forever, so it’s definitely closing at some point,” he said about Boston’s Stanley Cup window.
Unwittingly, the 34 year-old pending UFA may have just given us all a clue into the direction Cam Neely will take the Bruins this summer.
Tuukka Rask done with Bruins
The Bruins goalie was hampered by an injury that will likely require surgery this summer. When asked about his future, Rask didn’t have any definitive insight.
“We’ll see,” the 34-year-old said of his future. “I don’t have any thoughts right now. It’s a pretty tough loss, so I’m going to sleep a few nights and we’re going to have our exit meetings and start planning on the future.”
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It’s unlikely that the Bruins are going to blow up the team. However, they may turn the reins over to the 22 year-old Jeremy Swayman in goal. Boston could use Rask’s $7 million towards re-signing Taylor Hall whom they want to keep.
For Rask and the Bruins, he may very well have played his last game with Boston.
Rangers and Blue Jackets close to coaching hires
Elliotte Friedman was on The Instigators on WGR550 in Buffalo. He was asked about the current situation with Buffalo’s coaching search but offered up that both the Blue Jackets and Rangers are close to hiring coaches.
He was also asked about Gerard Gallant for the Sabres but he noted that he thinks Gallant will land in NY or Columbus.
On June 6th, I reported at Forever Blueshirts would likely offer Gallant the job this week. Rick Tocchet could very be the next coach for the Blue Jackets, although I have a sneaking suspicion that David Quinn could be the dark horse to land there.
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