The Fifth Liners

Tim Thomas will definitely be joining his tryout for the Florida Panthers after his release from the New York Islanders months before. Originally his invitation was met with a slightly negative response (which was shared by other invitees Jose Theodore and Ilya Brzygalov) but with starting goalie Scott Clemmenson currenly Florida only having one experienced goalie injured, Florida only has Jacob Markstrom in net. The two time Vezina trophy winner if successful will provide valuable experience and the former Bruins keeper will keen to get back in the spotlight after a non playing season last year- good luck Tim both of us here are routing for you!

With the  retirement of Miikka Kiprusoff , the Calgary Flames are left without a starting goalie. At a time when the Flames are rebuilding the franchise, this is a headache that Jay Feaster can really do without. So who can step up and take the number one spot? The Flames played four goalies last season. Kiprusoff and Joey MacDonald took most of the games, while Leland Irving and Daniel Taylor played eight between them. This leaves Feaster with two likely outcomes, does he promote MacDonald to the number one spot and allow Irving or Taylor to back him up? Or does he spend some money and bring in another experienced goalie. Either option is risky. The Flames aren't exactly on solid ground right now. MacDonald is only entering his second season with the Flames but he's an experienced goalie, having defended the nets for Detroit, Boston, Toronto and the Islanders, as well as some affiliates. I've no doubt he'd make a decent number one goalie. The other option ...

If you already know about the history of former Boston Bruins' goalie Tim Thomas  then you can relax and get on with your lives. Not much has changed, he's still looking for a team to ply his trade with next season. Sometimes an inspiring story comes along and it has to be shared. I recently read this article  by James Duthie and think you should read it too.