Rocket:
It’s not a game day for the Canadiens, so I had one eye on the division rival Boston Bruins and their game versus St. Louis. I wasn’t too hopeful for the Bruins opponent today. The Blues are last in the West, and don’t often win on the road. St. Louis had lost 9 of the past 10 road games. The Bruins rarely lose at home.
So, when the Bruins took a two goal lead with 3 minutes left against the team that is 26th overall in the league, it was over. Right? Well, I’m sure that you know the story by now.
St. Louis scored a power-play goal with just over a minute left and then David Backes tied the game with 0.8 seconds left. TJ Oshie (now, there’s a sniper!) and Brad Boyes scored in the shootout to give the Blues an upset win!
I visited one of the blog sites of our Bruin friends to read their reaction to the game. One commenter wrote that the problem did not lie with the offense nor the defense. The inference was that the Bruins have a problem in goal. Bingo!
Tim Thomas stats were not pretty today: 3.69 GAA .871 SV%. In addition, he did not look good during the shootout. Do the Bruin fans feel comfortable going to the playoffs with a team led by Tim Thomas in goal?
There is no doubt that Thomas is riding wave of confidence mainly provided by a defense-first system mandated by Claude Julien. But at some point the fairy tale has to end. Can a goalie who relies on acrobatics as a substitute for a lack of technique continue this charade all season?
Will we see the real Tim Thomas, the ‘man behind the curtain’ at some point?
“The Great Oz has spoken. Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain….the…Great…er…Oz has spoken.” A great quote which will perhaps be applicable to Tim Thomas. Here are a few more:
Kynch of Kynch’s BB Korner:
“Just what, exactly, do Habs fans need for ‘proof’ that Tim Thomas, IS in fact, an All-Star caliber goalie?”
Rocket of All Habs:
“Tim Thomas is the Inspector Clouseau of the NHL. He gets the job done, but often, it is completely by accident.”
Pierre McGuire of TSN & NBC:
“Tim Thomas? I have never seen a goalie that clumsy in my life. He gives every ball-hockey goalie hope!”
So what do you have to say about Tim Thomas? I look forward to hearing from Habs fans and our dear friends who support the Bruins.