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If this is it, Mark Recchi finishing his career strong 06.14.11 at 4:48 am ET
By DJ Bean

Bruins alternate captain Mark Recchi said it during the season: if the Bruins win the Stanley Cup, he’s done. He’ll close the book on a historic career and retire.

With the Bruins one game away from winning it all, Recchi could very well be in the final days of his career. He’s won the Cup twice already, having hoisted it with the Penguins in 1991, and against with the Hurricanes. This might be the last time he’s come this far, and he knows from experience that it’s worth savoring. Especially with this team.

“That’s the great thing about it. You know, I was fortunate to win one early in my career,” the 43-year-old said after recording three assists in the Bruins’ 5-2 win Monday. “From ’06 when I won in Carolina to every playoff I’ve played in after that, I’ve been able to embrace it and enjoy it and watch how guys react and watch how they’re acting and enjoy the experience of seeing guys go through the firsts.

“It’s neat and you’re able to do that. I’ve been doing that for a number of years now and it’s been just a great, great year this year for me. [It's been] great from the get-go with this group of guys. You knew there was something special right from the first time we got together. When we went over to Prague, we knew we had something good there.”

It’s unclear what Recchi will do if the Bruins do not the Cup this year. In a scenario in which he hung them up regardless of the series’ result, Monday could have been his last game had the Canucks won.

“It crosses my mind, but, you know, I have a job to do out there for the guys and I can’t put those thoughts in my head,” Recchi said of thinking about playing in his last game. “I’m going to lay it on the line one more time and see where it takes me after that.

“No matter what, it’s been a great 22 years, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. This has been one of my best ones, regardless of what happens and I’m just still proud to play in the NHL. I love playing hockey and love being in the NHL and I think it’s the greatest sport out there.”

Perhaps there’s something to be said for Recchi finishing strong. He has six points (three goals, three assists) the last five games. The next one might be is last. If it is, Bruins fans should consider themselves fortunate to observe a player who is a winner above all else.

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  • Deano

    Mark Recchi has played great so far as a Bruin in the last year and a half since we traded for him. That deal in which we netted Mark Recchi and a second round draft pick was a great move.

    Recchi may be one of the best net front presences on the Bruins over the last two seasons. He is not overly physical in front of the net but he knows how to get into position and block the goalies vision. He also is really adept at using his soft hands and small stature to get a lot of rebounds and redirect shots. I always thought Recchi should be on one of the PP’s just being that net front presence, while Lucic should be on the other PP unit doing the same thing. Chara though fun to watch down there, does not have the skill set to redirect and get rebounds plus his shot and his energy is wasted down low.

    Recchi is the ultimate plugger and barely ever makes a mistake out there. People should have been giving him props all postseason for all the intangibles he brings to the game. I do not like making assumptions about the leadership in the locker room but I think it is safe to say that Recchi’s presence is extremely important to the other players on this Bruins team.

    I highly doubt Julien ever even considered not dressing him, nor should he.

    If this is Recchi’s last game, we should all be thankful that he decided to end his career in Boston, as he helped to mentor the young player’s on this Bruins team to reach their potential; to reach the finals and possibly win the cup.

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