Bruins - Flyers Winter Classic Summary

The words "magical" and "special" are used far too often in the hockey world, usually by players and coaches who have learned this media-speak shorthand to avoid describing their actual feelings.

However, yesterday's Winter Classic game, held outdoors in Boston's Fenway Park, actually was magical and special, and showed fans (new and established alike) the best of what hockey can offer.

It helps that the Bruins and Flyers were both hungry for the 2 point win. Had yesterday's game felt more like an All-Star Game (ie: where the win doesn't matter), it would have fallen flat. But the two-generations of animosity between the Flyers and Bruins seemed to spark both teams, and once the wonder and nostalgia of playing outdoors faded, the teams got down to hitting, fighting and trying to chip the puck into the net.

There's been barrels of digital ink spilled on the event already, so I won't rehash the details of the game here, except to say that it was awfully fun to see Tim Thomas be responsible for a goal against (due to a poorly-timed, though not undeserved, cross-check to the back of Scott Hartnell), then battle so hard in the final moments of the game to preserve the win, making at least three unbelievable saves on point-blank chances.

To then have Thomas named to the USA National Hockey Team - his dream since being 5-years old - at the end of the game, it was like writing another chapter in Thomas' storybook, vastly underdogged, career.

My previous posts have highlighted the problem with having Thomas play below his potential this season, but even having said so, there can be little doubt that he is one of the best Bruins of all time - if only for his continual ability to prove doubters wrong, and get the job done simply through his lunch-bucket work ethic.

The Winter Classic will be remembered as one of those rare, ultra-high-profile sporting events that actually lives up to the hype. The Bruins can take the experience (and the win!) forward through the rest of the season, and hopefully build on it as the Olympics approach.

Of Note: It is an absolute joy to watch so many interviews with Bobby Orr - just listening to Bobby makes me happy; For as happy as I am that Tim Thomas was named to the US National Team, as a Canadian, I cannot wish him too well in the tournament; The Bruins' retro sweaters are easily the best sweaters they have and I hope they wear them in more games this season; Coach Claude Julien and his coaching staff looked amaaaazing in their little brown fedoras - like the coaches of old!

Bruins Shut Out Thrashers

Last night's 4-0 win over the Thrashers was an example of the Bruins playing at the top of their game.

Despite some successes this season, and sporting a respectable record, the Bruins have played precious few games with maximum effort from start-to-finish, instead relying on spectacular goaltending or an offensive outburst to get the win. Sometimes that win doesn't come, naturally.

However, last night's match against the Thrashers saw the Bruins hitting, forechecking and battling for pucks, and the win came as a result. It's good to see, but there's also a problem emerging.

Tuukka Rask got the start in nets, improving to 10-3-2 with a 1.85 GAA, which is outstanding for such a young goalie. Especially one with a Jedi name.

The problem, of course, is that Rask may be out-playing Tim Thomas, who deserves time to find his game given everything he's given to the Bruins, and his record in previous years.

However, as the season progresses, it's also hard to not see Thomas' 10-9-5 record with a 2.42 GAA as vastly below his capacity. How that impacts the Bruins as they make the stretch drive through the Olympics and toward the playoffs is the big question.

Thomas will get the start on Friday at Fenway for the Outdoor Classic, and the USA Olympic Team roster will be announced shortly thereafter (which Thomas is hoping to be a part of), so we may soon see Thomas' game improving simply because he is motivated by these events (and spurred forward by an up-and-coming backup).

Needless to say, the Bruins' streaky play this season cannot be laid at Thomas' feet, but if the team still requires a goalie that can win games they don't deserve to win, then Rask may be asked to shoulder a heavier load.

What that means to the team as a whole is uncertain. But here's hoping that Thomas finds his game soon, and that the B's have access to two goalies playing lights-out hockey as the season heads for home.

The Bruins next play Friday afternoon, outdoor, against the Flyers.