WILMINGTON - Tuukka Rask learned Lesson 1 about NHL goaltending twice in less than 24 hours this week. Gotta be sharp at the drop of the puck, no matter when, no matter where.
"You learn when you play, and that's what I'm learning now," the Bruins' sudden starter said after practice yesterday, as his travel-weary teammates packed their bags for three more road games in five days, beginning with the red-hot Maple Leafs tonight.
The most recent tutorial began Wednesday in Newark, where Rask was cold-called from the bench to take over for Tim Thomas with 70 seconds left in regulation, and gave up the winning goal to the Devils on a screened shot in overtime.
It continued in his Garden debut Thursday, when Rask allowed three first-period goals to the Canadiens, who went on to beat the Bruins, 4-2, for their seventh straight victory in the series.
"It's all part of maturing into his role as a good NHLer," said coach Claude Julien, who'll likely go with the 20-year-old rookie again tonight. "It's about being ready at the drop of the puck and being sharp throughout the whole game."
No doubt, that's easier when you're the regular guy. Switching from spectator to savior on a moment's notice is a tall order. "It's never fun to come in during a game," said Rask, who hasn't had much practice at it. "You're not mentally prepared for it. In Europe, I played a lot of games. This year [as backup], it's a new job for me."
Overnight, his old job with Ilves in Finland's top league has become his new job, at least for a while. Manny Fernandez is on long-term injured reserve. Thomas could be back next week, but groin strains are notoriously dicey. "No one knows how long Timmy will be out," said Rask.
So until he returns, Rask figures to be The Man, with veteran pickup Alex Auld in reserve. "It certainly is not what we thought would happen at the beginning of the season," acknowledged general manager Peter Chiarelli. "We haven't had the goalies we envisioned from the beginning."
What the Bruins had envisioned was grooming Rask in Providence until his time came. But after Fernandez hurt his knee at the beginning of November, they needed Rask to back up Thomas. That meant that he wasn't playing, which wasn't what his employers had envisioned.
Rask got two road starts last month and produced two victories. "The game in Toronto was outstanding," said Julien. "He played very well in Philly as well." So, on balance, the Bruins aren't wringing their hands about two losses in two nights.
"It's easy to criticize a young goaltender when you see the kind of situations that happened tonight," the coach said after the Montreal defeat. "But he's given us a couple of good wins there against some pretty good hockey clubs, too, and we've got to look at the positives, especially at his age."
Most goaltenders Rask's age are still doing an apprenticeship in the minors, where he'll likely return once Thomas and Fernandez come back. Until then, his education continues. "Every game counts at his age," Julien said.
What Rask already understands is that the NHL game is played in fast-forward from the opening drop. "You have to be aware all the time," he said. "A shot can come from pretty much anywhere."
Banged-in rebounds off bombs from the circle. Wristers through the five-hole from the slot. ("Should have gotten that.") Shots from the circle that glance off defenders' sticks into the far corner. Off-balance backhand flips from between the circles. Rask saw all of them against the Canadiens and chalked it up to experience.
What the Bruins have noticed is that the man from Savonlinna doesn't come unglued. "That's his personality," Julien said. "He's laid-back in a good way. Down the road, he's one of those guys who'll be able to handle the pressure without being fazed at all."
For now, Rask's assignment is to keep learning while earning. Lesson 1 has been committed to memory. "I have to play my game and help the team win games," the sudden starter said. "That is all I can do."
John Powers can be reached at jpowers@globe.com.
