How a 37 Year Old Had One Of The Most Dominant Years The Sport Has Ever Seen From a Goaltender....

In 2011 a 37 year old goaltender shocked the world, peaking and becoming a legend in the process.
The growth journey of a Chinese bamboo tree is a remarkable tale of patience and perseverance. For five years, it quietly developed underground, requiring daily care and nourishment without any visible signs of progress to the outside world. Then, suddenly, in just five weeks after breaking through the surface, it skyrockets to a towering height of 90 feet revealing itself to the world. This unique growth pattern holds profound symbolic significance, including the notion of late blooming. In today's video boys, we will explore how these symbolisms resonate with the remarkable career of a goaltender who went from selling apples and delivering pizzas as a junior A goalie, to being drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in 1994. Despite a lengthy path to his NHL debut, this individual exemplifies the resilience and eventual triumph associated with the Chinese bamboo tree. From a humble beginning in the 9th round, 217th overall, he persisted through years of setbacks before finally establishing himself in the league. Once he found his stride, his performance from 2008-2012 stood as one of the most dominating stretches we’ve seen in recent memories And that's right boys were talking about tim thomas.
#bostonbruins #bruins #boston #timthomas #chicagoblackhawks #connorbedard #davidpastrnak

[@MSZFilms]

Ignore the little glitch at 22:31, had to trim a small segment out due to copyright!

[@dJs18eREEcBPGO3HWH8p]

I worked on contract for the Boston Bruins during their Stanley Cup playoff bouts against the Montreal Canadiens, in 2008, 2009 and 2011 -- and when Thomas played during games at the Bell Centre in Montreal, win or lose, he was always a gentleman in the dressing room when the media gathered for their scrums. I got to see an athlete who always smiled, always had time for each journalist and, most importantly, I saw a man who was kind and polite with his staff, right down to the water boy. Thanks for this tribute to one of hockey's most interesting goalies.

[@christopherb.8465]

A Trump loving POS more like it

[@Fegnugggett]

Being a big Canucks fan when I was a kid, this guy crushed my dreams lol. He can buy his way into the hall of fame with just the souls of all Vancouver fans he took during that final

[@eljerc5894]

At least you are not a leaf fan .. ayye

[@dylanolic713]

amen......

[@duaneday5474]

When he shot that puck at Luongo I knew it was all over but the crying

[@andrewwilkins3014]

Hey fuck you, I was born into it, moulded by it

[@JVreemer]

As a bruins fan I really do root for you guys to get a cup before any other Canadian team lol. Markus Naslund was my favorite non-bruin growing up as well.

[@WarioSaysSo]

Tim Thomas alone was the reason I supported the Boston Bruins to win the 2011 Stanley Cup! And I'm far from a Bruins fan. I first saw Thomas play 10 years prior. He was to play in Sweden in 2000 to play for the team AIK in there Elitserien league. It was a mediocre team at best but he was one of that seasons best goalies and from there on I followed his career. I was somewhat stunned he was not yet in the NHL, but I figured as soon he got a decent shot he would prove he was a top goalie. And as history shows, it happend. Thomas can easily be described as a late-bloomer great.

[@bullshark3771]

Him just bodying Henrik Sedin and fighting Burrows will always be highlights of that series, that and Bergeron with his sliding goal

[@HipsHyde]

His playoff stats in Finnish league were insane. Especially the lockout year with Jokerit regular season with 94,6% and 93,8% is one of the best performances in FEL ever.

[@kanervatie]

...not to forget the season with the second Helsinki based team HIFK and 0.947 / 1.62. and winning the FEL.

[@jakek5610]

Terrific video, you did a lot of great research for Timmy. The whole reason I ever started playing goalie was because of Tim Thomas. Right between the 2009-2011 seasons he would run a hockey camp up in VT where he played college, and he’d even get on the ice to give pointers and take shots from kids on the last couple days of camp. Just a really great guy, and you could tell he cared a lot about all the kids that were there. I don’t know if I’d have the same love for the game if it wasn’t for Tim Thomas

[@dafangjia]

Thomas’ season really was utterly dominant. He belongs in the hall of fame. Amazing career story. And a very interesting and I think sympathetic person.

[@basicmeme1040]

Him hitting sedins ass with the paddle

[@axe2grind244]

Hall of Fame? He’s a bar league Hall of Famer, not an NHL one.

[@Shatamx]

@@axe2grind244He’s one of two goalies to win the Cup, Vezina, and Conn Smythe in the same season.

[@gamingsquad2326]

Is Tim Thomas a hof talent at goalie yes. Only problem is I don’t know if his career was long enough to make it. Would definitely not be opposed to him entering the hall tho:)

[@bigrig2008]

@@gamingsquad2326 length of his nhl career doesnt matter, its the hockey hall of fame not nhl hall of fame, achievements outside matter

[@johnshields6852]

I'm old Boston hockey player, fan since 1963, after the Orr days it's been a long wait, I don't think the B's won it 2011 without him, that's kinda obvious but you need more than a star goalie to win the cup, that team had something special. What an ending, I'm hoping I'll see another Stanley cup before I die.

[@bruin730]

One of my favorite goalies of all time

[@DisrespectfulRob]

Thomas and Rask are the best two-goalie tandem the Bruins have ever had, and probably ever will.

[@nuty1234]

Sway and Ullmark are trying to give them a run for their money.

[@jonhawkins7510]

@DisrespectfulRob, Lemiln and Moog weren't a bad pair either.

[@rn55884]

@@nuty1234they need to win a playoff series first

[@DisrespectfulRob]

Moog is my all time favorite goalie. Hero of my youth. Not even close, though.

[@elitemindset9581]

Wow. What a great job you did on making this video. A+ Tim provided so much joy watching his theatrical style. And the cup run was unbelievable! Bruins don’t win without him. Tim’s moral character in standing up for his beliefs was something everyone should admire. It’s called integrity. Finally, Tim’s character in not giving up was awe-inspiring. His parents selling their wedding rings so he could play? Common…. that’s legendary! His parents deserve massive credit for believing in their son! Overall, this provided 30+ minutes of joy, inspiration, and admiration. Very well done. I’m going to subscribe… you earned it. THANKYOU!

[@jfturner73]

Thomas did what Gil Gilbert, Pete Peters, Bill Ranford, Reggie Lemelin, Andy Moog, Byron Dafoe, Blaine Lacher, Andrew Raycroft, and Tuuka Rask couldn't do. A Bruins Stanley Cup Win is generally an event every 30-40 years. Probably won't see another one in my lifetime. (I'm 51). So thank-you TIMMAY and the beers are on me.

[@hypnomic7360]

Incredible video man. TT30 was why I wanted to play goalie. He was so fun to watch, fought and battled in there. Left it all out there, and boy did he make some ridiculously frustrating saves on some great players to win that cup. I loved how you detailed his rise too, it’s a great story of perseverance

[@washedupwarvet2027]

I went to a few games that season and I was at one of those game 7s. It was unreal and something I’ll never forget. This video doesn’t do it justice, Tim Thomas was just unbelievable that postseason. The biggest saves in the biggest moments. Forever grateful to Timmy for bringing us a cup.

[@duhbullb]

I was born in '96, Thomas was basically first and only goalie I remember wearing the black and gold spoked B growing up. 2011 Stanley Cup Champion, 2011 Conn Smythe, 2009 and 2011 Vezina from a 9th rounder. That's all you have to say. I will always remember Timmy "Tank" Thomas. Fantastic video. The bamboo analogy is perfect

[@rngfootball759]

My favorite goalie to wear a Bruins jersey. Clutch for sure and plenty of incredible saves. "Save by Thomas" also Tim Thomas vs Carey Price was quite a hockey fight

[@ryandonnelly9142]

Beautifully told and well done. Even as a NYR fan, nothing but respect for Timmy. A true testament to resiliency. And it was hell of a lot of fun watching him play that cup run.

[@kanervatie]

I remember this guy from the local team HIFK. Everyone still remembers Tim Thomas, as he was the best goalie from that season, and had an amazing % of almost 95!

[@mac7256]

My favorite goalie ever. His unorthodox style was awesome to watch and he has a great story. Wish more modern goalies were less robotic and more like Thomas/Hasek.

[@johndoe-fq7ez]

when a goalie performs like those gentleman did they call it "standing on his head"

[@Somethingsomethingmorbid]

Pyotr Kochetkov reminds me of tim a bit but still will never even come close at the end of the day. Tim was a true 1/1, from a habs fan

[@Shatamx]

2011 is one of the craziest runs I’ve seen next to the Kings. 3 game 7’s. Heart attack city.

[@JohnSilva-hi6hx]

Tim Thomas is and always will be my favorite goaltender for the Boston Bruins. Thomas is indeed hockey royalty. His decision concerning OBama was his and his alone. We are Americans after all. Love you Tim you're an inspiration for many. Your humility? Priceless. Great video

[@ItsNystalgic]

Man... the 2011 season was absolutely magical. The sheer carnage of cup finals was absolutely insane.

[@XanderDDS]

and don't forget he had the honor and personal-integrity to stick to his convictions.

[@bb-gc2tx]

very true im glad he didnt go

[@bartsanders1553]

What was he convicted of?

[@georgea8134]

@@bartsanders1553 conviction can also mean, strongly held beliefs or opinions

[@bb-gc2tx]

@@georgea8134 he had conviction not to go to the white house when it was run by an anti american POS

[@MrChippinator]

I’m not sure if he was as much of a late bloomer as he was overlooked. The guy was incredible, he was just so unorthodox. I mean he went to the goalie factory of Finland and just dominated!

[@Somethingsomethingmorbid]

Well done man, did tims fantastic career the utmost justice here

[@MrStkrdknmibalz9799]

My dad had season tickets to UVM games all four years Thomas and St. Louis played there, never would I have dreamed one of them would win the cup, let alone both of them.

[@tuzonthume]

It's all about the Journey man!!

[@hasbulladaruler]

He was in a flow state for an entire season 🫡 Absolutely locked in

[@JayDukeable]

This is beautiful. Thank you!

[@BasedDaleGribble]

Great video man, love your channel. Keep it up👍🏻 Shawn Thornton had a long journey to the NHL as well, much like Thomas. Thornton has a great book out about his career, I think a video about him would do well

[@CaptainPatches069]

I have a copy of Thorty's book. I need to read it soon

[@PereJoel55]

Discovered this channel about a week ago and these videos are excellent 👏 Keep up the good work dude

[@pdavid2121]

This run was truly on the back of Timmy Thomas, absolute beast. I remember just jumping and yelling along with Jack Edwards on the commentary in the initial rounds

[@harborwolf22]

That save against Tampa Bay... Just unbelievable what he did that post season run.

[@matthewrasero2349]

The fact he had a .938 in a full NHL season is nuts. His .940 run to the cup is even better. Genuinely one of the best of all time during his prime. Also, bonus fact, he's incredibly based.

[@johndoe-fq7ez]

yes yes and yes

[@eightequalsequalsdee]

For refusing to meet Obama?

[@faunbudweis]

@@eightequalsequalsdee thought the same thing; in my view that was an unnecessary stain on his career and the Bs soon parted ways with him

[@banzaisdead]

He’s somewhat of a joke here in Boston now due to his weird Dale Gribble politics. Oh well, Tuukka was better overall anyway

[@kgm4556]

Love Timmy, but the guy is a loon politically. Typical Trumpist idiot most likely.

[@unholy7324]

This is the first video I'm seeing from you and I'm impressed. Good job.

[@johnvaughan22]

as a bostonian, i can confirm that tim thomas will always have a place in the cities heart

[@onikwa]

What a great video and an amazing story. Thomas was my inspiration. I'll never forget some of those incredible saves, dude was an absolute legend with inhuman skill.

[@kevinralston8170]

Tim Thomas is amazing man, by far my favorite goalie of all time. Not to mention every single set of pads and helmet this man wore were top tier (black and white in 2011 is my favorite). All around stud.

[@VARVIS_]

Great vid man.

[@mycawk7171]

You do such good work on your documentaries. Some of the best hockey history you can find. This one on Tim Thomas was so good.

[@MSZFilms]

Thank you man💯

[@jaymoraski]

Thanks !, great video.

[@mikeeysie8579]

What a goddamn masterpiece this dude made my childhood the reason I love hockey

[@keveyson]

I watched Thomas in his college at the University of Vermont as a young kid. I'm a Rangers fan, but everyone around here loved Thomas and we were definitely all rooting for him with the Bruins.

[@Soderblomz]

What a video man, keep this stuff up.

[@DisrespectfulRob]

This is about Timmy?! Thank god! I hold strong on my statement that he had the best goalie season in the ENTIRE HISTORY OF HOCKEY. Still I stand by it. He was fucking unbelievable that year.

[@Hockeyreview101]

Timmy T is what happens when you refuse to give up on yourself

[@johndoe-fq7ez]

inspirational, a good reminder

[@derekjf4311]

In 2005 I was grouped with Tim in a charity golf outing in Michigan and I had no clue who he was back then besides the fact that he was a hockey player and you wouldnt have known it just hanging out with him. I just remember him being a really nice guy. I had a lot of fun with him that day and I'm glad that we have a group picture with our whole group together. It was really cool seeing him take off a short while after that. What a great story. The ultimate underdog.

[@Sam-xu3xq]

That’s awesome

[@alexgauthier2448]

Thomas had an injury during the playoffs the year they lost to the flyers. That affected his play, which is why Tuukka Rask was the starting goalie for the playoff run. He has surgery (I believe on his hip) that off season and got back to form the next season.

[@jaerockchalk3216]

he reminds me a lot of the Dominator . Great content thanks for sharing from a leafs fan.

[@senororlando2]

going from him to 2 goals in 17 seconds Rask was like going from Bobby Kennedy to Bobby Kennedy Jr.

[@yukondeighton8075]

I absolutely love the intro to this video, bro. It’s a reminder that it takes a very very long time to become great at something. Think about how many people give up before they make it. looking at Tim Thomas, He had to grind for a long, long time, but then he got to enjoy an unbelievable run from 08 to 12. Everyone should keep in mind, no matter how much they suck or how hard it is. If you stick with it, you might be able to enjoy a prime run like that one day.

[@Scottybowman-ty3go]

amazing video

[@Asymmetrical-Saggin]

Thomas is a legend. He was an absolute animal in our cup run

[@wastefellow2569]

F1 reference

[@cmsilver8906]

The man stood on his head night after night and won so many games for the B's, there are so many saves I'll never forget, and you knew Rask wasn't winning the goalie battle.

[@johndoe-fq7ez]

lol I was just saying how my best description of Tim's run was that he stood on his head

[@slim3d]

Not many people remember that, during the Flyers coming back from 3-0 to win the series, they also came back from being down 3-0 in game 7 to win 4-3.

[@Yup5757]

Just think about it. Without Tim Thomas the B’s would be Cupless the last 52 years. Mind-boggling!

[@Game_Hobo]

Legend

[@sleigh4019]

Hes as much of a hero off the ice ..should be said we need more ppl with morals and convictions ..love Timmy

[@yalksen]

Yeah, right, praise him for being a classless douchebag. Bravo!

[@bb-gc2tx]

his aggressive style his toughness he reminded me of the modern day billy smith even the way he poke checked was like smitty

[@younglilhustler6039]

It’s crazy how Thomas made me (an 11 year old kid from Montreal) cheer for them to win the cup back in 2011 even after that heartbreaking loss against his team in Game7 OT after seeing his performances during those playoffs Boston became my favorite team alongside the Montreal which i know seems impossible 😂

[@StormAries]

I feel somewhat bad for being a Rask fan now but i loved both goalies equally. Both showed such dominance at times.

[@johndoe-fq7ez]

Bruins have a run of good goalies like the Packers have had a good run of QB's

[@nathanfontaine8707]

Even now, I don’t care what anyone says. Game 7 of the 2011 Eastern conference finals was the most perfect game ever played by two teams in the NHL ever. Both goalies were lights out.

[@NotoriousOne617]

Big Bruins fan what a ride it was in 2011

[@420WhySoSerious420]

Great video. Any chance for a Jonathan Quick 2012 video?

[@jerichobeach2967]

International man of mystery playing overseas so much before boston

[@SombraPiloto]

The 2011 run was only time I've ever pulled for the Bruins and Tim Thomas was the reason.

[@miketraslin5394]

As a guy from British Columbia. North Vancouver. He absolutely crushed me as a Canuck fan 😢😢I also grew up playing Ice Hockey up to Juniors....So I know his level of play was bonkers good....Like when Hasek would get in the zone...There was other factors....but Thomas was the biggest factor. Thanks for peaking at the wrong time....Not. 😅😮

[@MoneyHoneyBunny]

Tim Thomas is kinda like the modern Ken Dryden in that they weren't in the NHL for very long, but when they were, they were gods among men. Obviously 1 played on a dynasty but, no question regardless of that Ken was other worldly.

[@jbellflower83]

Unless he was playing the Russians. I like Ken a lot but he always struggled against the Russians. I don't think his style served him well against them. Tony Esposito was more effective against them.

[@MoneyHoneyBunny]

@@jbellflower83 Yeah it makes sense, like, they didn't have that style of play in their life constantly to adapt to, so even the best goaltenders would have issues. Just like when Bure, Federov and Mogilny came into the league, they were doing things with such speed and agility that it took a while for teams to adjust.

[@eljerc5894]

Timmy ❤

[@johndoe-fq7ez]

Agree, and love your photo, are we the same person?

[@brianmjones6792]

Here is a true fact. Tim Thomas was the first goalie to win the Conn Smythe trophy and the Vezina Trophy as well as the Stanley Cup in the same year since Bernie Parent did it for the Philadelphia Flyers in 1975. It just goes to show you what an incredible year Tim Thomas actually had in 2011. And to do it at 37 years old was even more spectacular.

[@generationxpvp]

Ah yes, we got spoiled at UVM with Eric Perrin, St Louis, John LeClaire, and of course Tim Thomas for a period of time!

[@BarkWhoGoesThere]

LETS GO RANGERS!!

[@Fiilis1]

Imo. Goalie position is really damn hard to rise up the ladder if you have real crappy team to support you as a goalie.

[@revs81]

Byron DeFoe, not Brian at 18:26 Otherwise great vid!

[@sirhonksalot1432]

TIMMY!!!!

[@migueloangelo]

Go B's🐻

[@danielpaquet3963]

How in the world do you get a shutout in an all star game?

[@JohnpaulDejoria666]

Thomas was the OG not going to the white house meeting a scumbag president. He did it before all the other sports. The GOAT

[@notoriouseagle1074]

Better President than W or his successor.

[@JohnpaulDejoria666]

@@notoriouseagle1074 not even remotely close, but then again Obama was a slave to the white man and the Jews. Never seen someone owned so hard by two groups

[@TC-dw6wg]

Spoken like a true enabler 👆. Gotta respect Thomas’s wise decision!

[@DonPeppinoo]

Jonathan Quick enters chat

[@antoniocosta5223]

Fuck I miss the old days this was the team I grew up with and all I got lefts march it’s tough

[@mattgauthier7216]

Not to mention he came into the 2010-11 season off of double hip surgery.

[@isaactirrell7866]

Wait, this video isn't about Al Horford?

[@TheFlamingPike]

This was a great season not only for the Bruins but a fun season overall IMO. I remember it vividly to this day.

[@jamiegirard5688]

🫡 to Timmy Thomas for backstopping that entire 2010-2011 season!! Those were the days. That postseason run and he was remarkable in goal. He was so in the head of Roberto Luongo in the Finals just by his play he wasn’t doing any talking about “pumping the other guy’s tires” he was just stopping pucks consistently and even in the Bruins 3 losses that series I think the most Vancouver scored was 2. Game 7 Goose Egg 4-0!! Stanley Cup!! MVP!! Lets Go Bruins!!!!

[@broadstreetbullies849]

He allowed 3 in game 2 but your point still stands

[@dmurphy1578]

Loved it when he went all white. I love guys who bring the hate and find motivation. Then pooooffff he was gone. Hope he’s doing great.

[@m00rtin4]

i remember when thomas played in AIK in sweden as a pretty average goaltender

[@relaxinandchillaxin]

the picture at 4:30 into this video, where the puck is in the air........ HOW did they play hockey, on ice, with a puck that was painted white on at least one side????????? seems like a real dumb idea. but ive never played hockey so i really have no idea if that would make it harder for players to see or not

[@dylanryan8241]

Unreal goalie but The series against Montreal was stolen by the NHL brass(Campbell/Bettman)

[@TK-CRYPTIC]

I’ve always said Timmy was the worst and best goalie I’ve ever seen he was never in the correct position but always found a way to make the save

[@chetstevensq]

Pretty sure no one had a longer path to the NHL than Scott Darling. No one had a more dominant season than Tony Esposito's rookie year with 15 shut outs.

[@HunterMagunter]

Ken drydens rookie year>

[@axe2grind244]

My buddy used to say Tim Thomas was the best bar league goalie of all time. It’s Boston so they could have put a 90 year old in net and he would have looked like Dominik Hasek. Thomas is just one of the many reasons I despise the Bruins existence.

[@johndoe-fq7ez]

wtf, f u, your points are incoherent, lack evidence and are erroneous, do not pass go, do not collect $200 and may god have mercy on your soul.

[@nimkeemagiskan4493]

I honestly disliked the goalie but not the man as a habs fan.

[@SLIDESPOT]

I dunno Hasek played 72 games with .932 and 2.09 then 64 games with .937 and 1.87….he was not well liked by team mates but still.

[@thinkforyourself5672]

Hasek is the best goalie of all time when it comes to raw talent at the position

[@TommyC503]

1 cup since the Richard Nixon administration. Please.

[@yukondeighton8075]

He was nasty

[@scottgagnon9451]

Doesn't get the respect ,with out him the Bruins would never won the cup in 2011

[@checkitoutgoof]

Yeah illegally sized goalie equipment will do that

[@Flukas-yk5qr]

Tim Thomas was the most slow, lazy and over rated goailie too ever play the game 🤣💯🤣 hahahaha

[@mattgauthier7216]

Wow you are salty 😂