Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
After almost two years, former Bruins goalie Tim Thomas will return to play at TD Garden for the first time as the visiting goalie. Last time Thomas played in Boston was in April of 2012 when the Bruins lost in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal to the Washington Capitals.
During that season Tim Thomas skipped out on going to the White House when President Barack Obama honored the 2011 Bruins Stanley Cup championship team. Thomas said it was because of political differences and as that season went on it remained a distraction to him and the team.
Tim Thomas was outspoken on several issues on his Facebook page throughout that season as well and after that season he announced that he would not play the 2012-2013 season. He said he wanted to focus on the three F’s (Family, Friends, Faith).
Even though Thomas’ personal matters got in the way of that season, he was an unbelievable goalie for the Bruins for the years before then. He won the 2009 and 2011 Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s top goaltender award. He also won the 2011 Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of the playoffs.
Tim Thomas was known for his unbelievable saves and wild antics. Thomas played a type of goalie that made him out of position at a lot of times. He always found a way to get back into position and stop the puck.
Tim Thomas always played on the wild side throughout his time with the Bruins. In the Stanley Cup Final against the Vancouver Canucks, Henrik Sedin of the Canucks was playing a puck that was up in the air and Thomas decided to come out and knock Sedin to the ground.
After a year long absence from the NHL, Tim Thomas signed with the Florida Panthers. This season he has a 2.65 goals against average and a .915 save percentage in 32 games played. In the time Thomas has not been hurt he has been getting most of the action for the Panthers. He has been one of the few bright spots for a struggling Panthers team this season.
The Panthers average 2.31 goals scored per game, which ranks 27th out of 30 teams in the NHL. They also have a power-play percentage of 8.8%, which is last in the league.
While the Panthers, as a team may be struggling, Tim Thomas has been a great addition to their team. He would be a great trade acquisition for any team that is looking for a goalie at the trade deadline
The Panthers will be tested tonight when they face a high powered Bruins offense that has scored 12 goals in their last two games.