Tim Thomas was undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. However, he was not the most “classic” goalkeeper in terms of technique.
The fact remains that he marked a generation and was a very important player for the Bruins, especially during their 2011 title run. That season he won both the Vezina Trophy and the Conn-Smythe Trophy (awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs).
In short, while we know him as a goalie through and through, we understand that he was a true “rogue” thanks to Jonathan Huberdeau. Huberdeau shared some very interesting anecdotes. during his speech at Right on the tape podcast . They were teammates on the Florida Panthers during the 2013–14 season.
In the podcast excerpt below, Huberdeau mentions that Thomas was prepared for anything since he had his own bunker in the corner of Colorado.
Well, there are (and always will be) people preparing for the end of the world. As they say: prevention is better than cure.
However, Huberdeau had some unusual facts about Thomas.
Quebec residents also said that Thomas ate a hamburger the night before the game. This is hardly common among NHL players. This must have paid off for the former goalkeeper, who went on to a brilliant career.
Huberdeau also added that he once went out to eat with Thomas, who told him, “You need to eat a hamburger.”
Despite this, Thomas was not out of shape; he showed up to every practice (in his old-fashioned helmet). He has always been in shape, except for one point in his career when he arrived at Panthers camp in 2013 after a year-long sabbatical.
According to Huberdeau, the legendary goalkeeper arrived at camp with a beer belly. Can't say we blame him though, as he took a year off to spend time with his family and get away from the very demanding physical and mental demands of the NHL.
Every day you learn something new about NHL players.
After a while
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–
2016/17 – 39 goals
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2018/19 – 36 goals
2017/18 – 34 goalsThe man is 37 years old. pic.twitter.com/DwIdNazKeG
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Things are definitely heating up in Sunrise. pic.twitter.com/Ax54A8dtnU
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– Cute Cute.
What's cuter: #Super plays hide-and-seek or hide-and-seek with your children?
We'll let you decide
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– Monumental Sports Network (@MonSportsNet) November 15, 2025
