The short bus arrives for the B's "Special" Teams

Before I start, let me just say... At least we are now officially in the playoff hunt, as the point (should have been two) the B's got last night pushed them into the number 8 spot in the playoff picture.

That said, here is the trip on the short bus.....

The Bruins gave up a short handed goal, and a power play goal with less than thirty seconds left which pretty much sums up their effort last night. Tim Thomas played well in spots, but lacked the effort we have been seeing in the past few games. Thomas made some outstanding saves, but coupled them with the same old Tim Thomas we have seen in the past. Shoot upstairs, as the Blue Jackets did twice in the first period, and you will score. Be patient with the puck and Thomas will go down, now he does every now and then go down and make an amazing stop while on the ice, but it is only a matter of time before the rest of the original 30 figure out that if you shoot high your chances of scoring increase drastically.

This photo says it all, it is of the tying goal. Yes the Blue Jackets had a five on three power play, which was a direct result of Chara being used way to much by Dave Lewis. Chara had been on the ice for three shifts in a row as the B's tried to protect a lead, Brad Stuart is called on a questionable trip (looked like the Colombus player tripped by stepping on Stuart stick in the replay) but none the less it was called so deal with it. The coaching staff did, they thought well we will send Chara back out. The result? Well one tired defenseman, and one crafty forward (Rick Nash) and you get the lazy man's penalty, as Chara is beat going to the net and has no choice but to hook Nash. That gave the Blue Jackets just what they needed, a 5 0n 3 advantage and a scrambling Thomas who finds himself way out of position leaving Federov with a wide open net to shoot at.

The winning goal in OT was a complete lack of control by both the players and he coaches. Teh coashing staff decided to to a complete four man line change with the puck barely over the red line, which resulted in the puck being at the Boston bench, the players coming off, afraid to touch it in fear of a penalty for too many men and the players coming on not being over the boards yet. Colombus recognized this and David Vyborny picked up the puck stepped around the last guy at the Bruins door and walked in alone beating Thomas like a whipped mule. Thomas showed his frustration by shattering his stick on the goal post before storming off the ice. I wouldhave to agree that Thomas should have been mad for being left out in the cold by his fellow Bruins, but to display it publically was a little overboard, after all, how many times have we seen Thomas let in one that he should have saved? Ever see Muzz or Savvy smash their stick and storm off the ice?
Looks like we are still in need of a goalie, I don't think Thomas has what it takes to get through the playoffs, he may get us there, but we will be limping if he does.