Hope is Thomas will be ready to start Game One for Bruins
Thomas/By S. Bradley
Last night was Tim Thomas’ second appearance of the preseason.
While he looked a little better than in his previous start, he let up two third-period goals in a 2-1 loss to Ottawa at TD Garden.
Here’s the story I did for CBSBoston.com about Thomas preparing to be the opening-night starter next Thursday against Philadelphia at TD Garden. While head coach Claude Julien wasn’t ready to declare Thomas the starter, it’s highly unlikely Thomas won’t be in net the night the Bruins raise the banner.
As I mention in the piece, Julien is being careful to not let any of his veterans get comfortable as the start of the Bruins’ title defense approaches. This is also a smart way to keep Tuukka Rask sharp. If the Finn thinks he has a chance to steal more playing time early on, especially with Julien’s earlier pronouncements about giving Rask a heavier workload this year, he’ll definitely keep working harder.
tuukka will get more starts this year, but he won’t start game 1.
I don’t see TT, Conn Smythe Trophy, Vezina Trophy and Stanley Cup winning goalie on the bench when the puck drops, after the B’s raise “The 2011 Stanley Cup Championship Banner” on opening night!
Matt – I agree there is no way Timmy doesn’t start opening night. He deserves that more than anybody. But what if he still looks shaky this weekend and during the opener? Would Julien actually go with Tuukka early in the season to give Thomas some more time? He’s the eldest statesman on the team and put a whole city on his back for 2 months, it really doesn’t surprise me he’s looking a little off to begin things.