It was expected to be a week of reunions for former Bruins this week, but a balky groin is likely to keep one of the 2011 Stanley Cup heroes from hitting the TD Garden ice as a visitor.
Florida Panthers goalie Tim Thomas is not expected to be ready for game action Thursday when the Panthers come to Boston for what was a highly anticipated game, assuming Thomas would be in net. He’s still recovering from a groin injury, and while the Miami Herald’s George Richards reports Thomas could be back on Saturday, the goalie isn’t expected to play Thursday night.
Panthers coach Kevin Dineeen said earlier in the week that Thomas would be making the upcoming road trip despite the fact that the goalie didn’t practice Monday and obviously didn’t play in the team’s game on Tuesday.
Thomas has already faced his former team once this year. The 2011 Conn Smythe trophy winner faced the B’s on Oct. 17, which marked his first game in a return from the original groin injury. Just a week later, he reaggravated the injury and went on injured reserve.
