In 2009-10 Tim Thomas went from being the hero in the Boston Bruins net, to being the backup to a youngster known as Tuuka Rask. Rask was seen as Boston's goalie of the future and few could blame him. Thomas was in his late 30's while Rask was in his early 20's. However, Thomas was coming off a Vezina-winning season the year before and many had expected him to hold the fort a bit longer for the Bruins. He was pushed back into the backup role throughout 2009-10 and it seemed like the team would cut ties with him during the summer. It turns out the Bruins made their best move of recent times by sticking with Thomas and giving him one final chance. And he made the most of it. Not only did Thomas reclaim the top spot in the Bruins' net, but he led them to the promised land for the first time in several decades.
The Dallas Stars returned to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2007-08, but their stay was a short one as they were eliminated in six games by the Anaheim Ducks. Here is a look at the highs and lows of Dallas' season.
