from Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston,

It will be Game No. 52 for the Panthers and Thomas is 14-14-3 with a 2.65 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. He said after Monday's optional practice that he's so focused on the task at hand that Tuesday's game is about earning two points.

"I'm really just focused on getting ready for tomorrow's game," he said. "You know me, I don't try to overblow things."

When the Panthers were in town last November, Thomas sat high above the rink at the Garden and at one point during a TV timeout, the Bruins recognized the two-time Vezina, Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup winner with a video tribute. The 17,565 in attendance gave him a standing ovation and he waved to the fans.

"That was awesome," Thomas said Monday afternoon. "I was very honored. It was a great tribute. The way it worked out, I'm happy I didn't play my first game back here because it gave me time to come back. I did get a flood of emotions -- all good.

"It was actually better that I wasn't playing because I could appreciate it a bit more, because when I'm playing I'll be focused on what I can do," Thomas said.

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