Throughout Tim Thomas’s career, he has spent much time trying to prove naysayers wrong about his ability to be successful in the National Hockey League. For example, the Bruins’ goaltender was voted the team’s Seventh Player Award winner twice (in 2006 and ‘07) as the player exceeding expectations.

Thomas is no longer surprising anyone. Yesterday, the veteran was informed that he had been named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, given to the “goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position.” The other finalists are Columbus rookie Steve Mason and Minnesota’s Niklas Backstrom. The winner, which will be announced June 18, is voted on by the league’s 30 general managers.

The last time a Bruin won the Vezina Trophy was 26 years ago, when Pete Peeters took it home. Thomas, who turned 35 this month, appreciates the recognition.

“It’s quite an honor,” he said. “Just breaking into the NHL a few years ago, you’re always trying to make your goals bigger but you want to make them reasonable - one step at a time.

“Being a Vezina finalist was always off my radar, I think. As the year went on this year, I realized that there might be a chance. It’s quite an honor.”

In recent days, Thomas has been under the weather with flulike symptoms. He played Games 3 and 4 against the Canadiens while not feeling well, but the Bruins completed the sweep of Montreal, so he has been able to get some much-needed rest. He missed the two practices prior to yesterday’s.

“This is the ninth day and I’ve still got it,” he said. “It’s nowhere near as bad as it was on Days 4 and 5, but this thing just suckers a mean one.”

For a good portion of his career, it was Thomas who was hanging on. Midway through the 2005-06 season, the Bruins recalled him from Providence, but because he had to clear waivers, the organization all but bade him goodbye, expecting another club to grab him. According to Thomas, Providence coach Scott Gordon said, in essence, “It was good working with you.”

But no one claimed Thomas, and he remained with Boston. The rest, as they say, is history.

“I haven’t spent that much time what-iffing,” said Thomas. “Earlier in my career I did because I wasn’t getting anywhere, NHL-wise. I haven’t what-iffed lately. Having a level of success, it’s easier not to.”

Instead, Thomas signed a four-year contract extension April 3 that includes a no-trade clause.

“It’s the biggest security that I will have had at any point in my career,” he said, “but it’s been around for so little [time], the impact hasn’t set in.

“It’s pretty amazing. From being the guy sent down to Providence 3 1/2 years ago to where it is right now, it’s been quite a journey.”Continued…

Source: boston.com