Already the favorite to win the Vezina Trophy for the NHL’s top goaltender, Boston’s Tim Thomas did his chances of winning post--season MVP no harm at all on Wednesday by shutting out Vancouver 4-0 as the Bruins leveled the Stanley Cup final at two games each.
Returning to Boston trailing 2-0 in the best-of-seven championship series after two gut-wrenching defeats, the Bruins needed to make a stand in Games 3 and Game 4 to have any chance of lifting the Cup.
The battling Thomas delivered two outstanding performances to lead the Bruins to an 8-1 rout on Monday, before their 4-0 shutout in Game 4.
Photo: Reuters
The goaltender has been aggressive and quick to protect his crease, even dropping the gloves and trading punches with Alex Burrows on Wednesday.
“It’s indicative of the way he’s had to battle to get here, No. 1,” Bruins coach Claude Julien said. “Anybody that knows the story of Tim Thomas knows he’s taken a real bumpy road to get to the NHL.”
“He’s had so many obstacles in front of him that he’s overcome, it makes him a battler, it makes him the perfect goaltender for our organization because that’s what we are, we’re a blue-collar team that goes out and works hard, and earns every inch of the ice that you can get,” Julien said. “Tim fits well in regards to that, the way he battles ... when the game is on the line, he’s going to be standing on his head again because he battles through it.”
Thomas’ combative style and work ethic has not only made him a Boston fan favorite, but a leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy, which goes to the Stanley Cup playoffs most valuable player.
The 37-year-old is savoring every moment on ice hockey’s biggest stage, having spent a large part of his career playing smaller venues.
Thomas was an afterthought when plucked from the pile of longshots in the ninth round of the 1994 draft by the Quebec Nordiques.
A battler with an acrobatic, unconventional style, Thomas never played for the Nordiques and through the early part of an unremarkable career bounced around Europe and the North American minor leagues.
It was not until 2002, after signing on as a free agent with the Bruins, that he finally played his first NHL game, but he has made up for lost time by winning the Vezina in 2009 and an Olympic silver medal at last year’s Vancouver Winter Games.
“Our fans are phenomenal, especially in these playoffs,” Thomas said. “During the regular season, sometimes I’m not sure how much energy home crowds really add to games, but I know playing at home in these playoffs has been a big advantage for us and it’s helped us.”
“We rewarded the fans that have stuck with us,” he said.
Boston sports fans are now debating whether Tim Thomas is more important to the Bruins than quarterback Tom Brady is to the NFL’s New England Patriots.
Henrik Sedin is one Canuck who has yet to solve the puzzle of how to beat Thomas.
“I don’t know, do you have an answer for me?” he asked. “When top goalies like him are getting hot, it is tough to score goals.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely