United States hockey is getting a lot of attention as the 40th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice” is celebrated Saturday, and a former Boston Bruins player is being spoken about.
The United States has had a number of talented players who have performed at the highest level in the NHL. In honor of the “Miracle on Ice” celebration, ESPN’s hockey insiders took a look at who in their opinion is the most underrated player of all time in U.S. hockey history. Greg Wyshynski named former Bruins goalie Tim Thomas as his choice.
Tim Thomas. I know it’s hard to call a guy with two Vezina Trophies and a Conn Smythe underrated, but I don’t think there’s enough appreciation for his run from 2007 to 2012 as one of the greatest for any NHL goalie in history, and especially one who was already 33 years old at the start of the run. He was on the plus side of goals saved above average in each of those seasons, including a bonkers 45.77 GSAA in the Bruins’ championship season of 2010-11. He had a .933 save percentage and a 2.07 goals-against average in 50 playoff games for Boston.
Thomas is a U.S. Hockey Hall of Famer, and Bruins fans forever will appreciate Thomas’ efforts in the 2011 Stanley Cup. So for a player who is not spoken about very much despite an incredible impact, Wyshynski may be on to something.
