PROVIDENCE — On each side of Tuukka Rask’s green goalie mask the word “Wall” is painted in white letters. When asked if that’s the nickname he earned while playing in the Finnish Elite League, he quickly downplayed it, probably not wanting to seem too confident with his new P-Bruins teammates.

The highly touted goaltending prospect for Boston recently signed a multi-year deal with the Bruins and arrived in town on Sunday. He will remain with the P-Bruins for the rest of the postseason, but he’s not going to play, according to Providence coach Scott Gordon. Starting goaltender Hannu Toivonen has been told as much, too.

Rask, whose rights were acquired by Boston from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Andrew Raycroft last summer, has joined the P-Bruins to get himself acclimated to the North American environment in preparation for next season.

Being part of the Providence’s Calder Cup run will give him an opportunity to get to know Gordon and assistant coach Rob Murray, along with the players. It’s better that the 20-year-old netminder gets his feet wet now, rather when training camp begins in September.

Rask arrived in Boston on Sunday and joined the P-Bruins at practice on Monday, the first time he’s been on the ice in more than two weeks after completing a two-year stint with the Iives Tampre of the Finnish Elite League. He posted a 30-26-17 record, including five shutouts, with the Finnish team.

“It’s nice to be here and meet all the guys,” said Rask. “I’m not going to play; I’m just here to practice with the guys and get to know the organization. It’s fun to be here, and it will be easier when training camp starts in September.”

Rask said his attributes include his size, strength and reflexes. He also said he doesn’t feel he has any weaknesses.

Gordon, a goalie guru who played at the collegiate, Olympic and professional levels, said he’s been impressed with the young goaltender. Even though both are natives of Finland, Toivonen, who turns 23 on May 18, and Rask met for the first time at practice earlier this week. Rask did play with Toivonen’s younger brother on the Finnish National Team.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about Hannu,” said Rask. “I’ve seen him play and he’s a nice guy.”

Toivonen recently signed a one-year extension with the Bruins, and even though he struggled a bit and many believe was mishandled by the organization during the regular season in Boston, he’s been tremendous in the playoffs for Providence.

When training camp opens next fall, the Bruins will have Toivonen, Rask and Tim Thomas between the pipes. It’s likely Rask will continue to hone his skills in Providence. “He seems to be a good kid,” said Toivonen. “Everyone knows he’s talented and he’s proven himself. He’s going to be a good addition to the organization, and I’m sure (the Bruins) are happy to have him on. He’s going to fit right in.”

Key cogs missing

The P-Bruins are still without some key players due to injuries, including defensemen Mark Stuart, Nathan Dempsey and Matt Lashoff. Of the three, it appears Lashoff is the closest to returning. Lashoff was injured when he awkwardly crashed into the corner boards during the regular season. He missed the entire first-round series against the Hartford Wolf Pack. Stuart did not practice this week and, according to the coach, the blue-liner could be back next week, at the earliest.

All hands on deck

The P-Bruins’ practice on Monday seemed more like public hockey than a pro team preparing for a playoff game. There were a lot of bodies on the ice, including newcomers Rask and defenseman Andrew Bodnarchuk. Including injured players, Providence has 30 players on its roster. Like Rask, Bodnarchuk and center Levi Nelson are in town to get some much-needed experience.

jmcdonal@projo.com