Boston Bruins: Round Three Game Five (Lightning)

     Tim Thomas is a goaltending god.  There really isn't much more to say.  I suggested that it might be time for Julian to give him a rest but I couldn't have been more wrong.  Thomas' diving stick save in the third period brought back memories of Reggie Lemelin sprawling back across his crease to make a game saving save against the Devils in '88.  It's not always pretty but Thomas finds a way to make the stops when it matters.  I know he's a shoe in for the Vezina, but I think he should be in the conversation for the Hart, as well.  I also think it goes without saying, if the Bruins find their way into the finals and end up hoisting the cup, there is no other candidate for the Conn Smythe.  There aren't enough accolades for what Thomas has meant to this team.
     The series seems almost impossible to get a hold of.  The play changes from period to period, forget about game to game.  One minute it's a tight defensive battle, the next, the two teams are flying back and forth up the ice trading scoring chances.  One team jumps up early and then the other team takes over the rest of the game.  As much as I would love to see the Bruins wrap it up tonight, it seems destined for seven.
     If there is one thing that is consistent, it's how bad the Bruins power play is.  It has almost reached a point where being on the power play hurts the team more then helps.  Julian did make an interesting change late in game five, putting Chara in front of the net instead of at the point.  I remember a game a couple years ago when the Bruins were down by two late and pulled the goalie to try to catch up.  Chara was the extra skater and parked himself in front of the net and the Bruins scored two goals to win.  I remember watching that game and thinking, why don't we set up like that for the power play?  You can't move the guy.  He's bigger then any other player you have to screen the goalie.  He can't keep the puck in the zone at the point.  Why not put Seidenberg and Bergeron at the points and Chara down low?  I think Julian needs to try this in game six again, if for no other reason then to give the Lightning a different look.  What do they have to lose?  It's not like the power play can get any worse.
     Three wins down... one more to go.  Let's hope the B's can wrap this thing up and save us the heart attack of a game seven.