Tim Thomas bides time for return
Steve Conroy / Bruins Notebook
After playing three games in four days, just a handful of Bruins took the ice yesterday at HSBC Arena, where the Bruins will try to win their second in a row tonight against the Sabres.
One of those players was goaltender Tim Thomas [stats], who has watched young Tuukka Rask become the B’s goalie of the moment as the club tries to work its way out of a season-threatening tailspin.
While it’s clear Thomas wants to be playing, the goalie, though guarded in his responses, said he’ll be at his best when it’s time to play again.
“You just show up and practice as hard as you can every day, and that’s it,” Thomas said.
Asked if he was confident his time will come again, Thomas said, “In this game, crazy things happen and you just have to be ready whenever it’s your time to be called on again.”
Thomas was on the ice yesterday with Shawn Thornton, Byron Bitz, Andrew Ference and Vladimir Sobotka. Goalie coach Bob Essensa is traveling with the team, so Thomas also got some extra work on the ice.
“It’s always nice when Bob’s around. It’s an ear to talk to,” he said.
Though Rask had given up his share of shaky goals during the B’s 10-game losing skid, the rookie’s been given the past three starts and gotten better with each one. His 36-save, streak-busting shutout in Montreal was one of his best outings.
Asked if he thought Thomas understood the situation, coach Claude Julien said, “I don’t think I can answer for him, but he’s a team guy and he’s got to understand that right now it’s not about going after any individual, it’s about doing what’s best for the team. If a goaltender is playing well right now, then so be it. Everyone knows (Thomas) is a good goaltender. He’s proven it over and over again. That’s not even a question mark.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/hockey/bruins/view/20100209tim_thomas_bides_time_for_return/