Tim Thomas Doesn’t Face Many Shots in Loss, But Bruins Goalie Says He’ll Be Ready for Regular Season

BOSTON — With just one appearance in the Bruins' first four preseason games, Tim Thomas was looking forward to getting in some work Thursday night against the Senators.

Thomas got the start against Ottawa at the Garden, but didn't get to see a lot of pucks, especially in the early going. The Senators managed just five shots in the each of the first two periods, getting outshot 30-10 in that span.

They did break through with 10 shots in the third, beating Thomas twice for a 2-1 victory. It wasn't exactly the scenario Thomas had in mind for his second exhibition game, but he found value in the experience nonetheless.

"It's good to get experience both ways, because it's going to happen at times," Thomas said. "Even when there's not shots, you still get your practice out of games because you're still moving and you're still fighting through traffic to follow the pass and stuff like that. So when you're not getting a lot of shots you focus on some of the other stuff. So in a way it can be better because when you're getting a ton of shots you don't have time to worry about any technique."

Bruins coach Claude Julien didn't seem worried about the lack of work for his netminder, noting that there were other ways to make sure the reigning Vezina and Conn Smythe winner was sharp heading into the regular season.

"Yes, but we can still get him the work in practice so we can make up for it down the road," Julien said. "He needs to get into some games and get into some game situations, which he did [Thursday]."

Thomas finished with 18 saves, and was spared another goal when Mika Zibanejad's tally was waved off for goalie interference when Colin Greening bumped Thomas in the crease. Despite that, Thomas remains confident that he will be ready when the games start counting for real next Thursday.

"I feel pretty good," Thomas said. "I feel better daily . And I think I'm on track for where I want to be.

"I think with another week of practice I'll be right where I want to be," Thomas added.

Might it take more than just practice and the two games he's already played to make sure Thomas is ready?

"That's up to Claude to decide," Thomas said, "but I'm happy with it."

Julien, however, does appear inclined to give Thomas some more work in the club's final exhibition game Saturday against the New York Islanders in Bridgeport.

"I think we'll have to wait and see," Julien said. "The plan is certainly to play him next game and see where he is. If everything is good, we'll make those decisions a week from now or a few days before."