Tim Thomas: The 10 Best Moments from the Boston Bruins' Goalie in 2010-11

The Boston Bruins would not have won their first Stanley Cup championship in 39 years without the amazing play of goalie Tim Thomas last season.

Thomas was the NHL's best goalie all year long including the playoffs and won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender for his regular season play.

But Thomas wasn't done winning awards. He took home the Conn Smythe Award as the MVP of the 2011 NHL playoffs, and won the ESPY award for best NHL player.

He also set the league record for save percentage in a season.

Goalie coaches don't recommend Thomas' style of play to young kids, but he never quits on a play and never takes a second of play for granted.

Thomas had a historic season, one that Bruins fans will never forget. Let's take a final look back at his best moments of the Bruins' championship season.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report, and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for Bruins and NHL news and analysis.

10) Thomas Stands Up to Alex Burrows

Alex Burrows will best be remembered for biting Bruins' forward Patrice Bergeron in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals and not being suspended for it.

But in Game 3, he was slashing Thomas' stick all game, and in the third period, Thomas finally had enough of his antics—and slashed Burrows.

9) Thomas Makes 2 Saves Against Maple Leafs in Overtime

Tim Thomas makes another great save in an overtime battle versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. Then he has to stop a penalty shot right after, which he does, of course.

8) Thomas Checks Henrik Sedin

In Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Henrik Sedin found himself with the puck right in front of Tim Thomas, but was quickly checked to the ice by Thomas.

The Versus TV people thought a penalty should have been called, but it was just a physical hockey play by Thomas.

7) Tim Thomas Wins the 2011 Conn Smythe Trophy

Tim Thomas was named the Conn Smythe award winner as the 2011 NHL playoff MVP.

Thomas' play was the major reason the Bruins won the Stanley Cup, and he was amazing in the three Game 7s the Bruins won on their road to the title.

6) Thomas Stops Jannick Hansen Breakaway in Game 1

Jannick Hansen just couldn't figure out Tim Thomas early in the Stanley Cup Finals and was robbed here on a breakaway in Game 1 with the score tied at 0-0.

5) Thomas Robs Jannick Hansen in Game 2

In Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals, Tim Thomas kept the Bruins in front with a spectacular save on Canucks' forward Jannick Hansen. 

Thomas made a number of tremendous saves on Hansen in the series.

4) Thomas Robs Maple Leafs in Overtime

Save of the regular season right here. Tim Thomas denies the Maple Leafs with a thrilling save in overtime on December 4, 2010.

3) Thomas Hoists the Stanley Cup

Tim Thomas hoists the Stanley Cup as an NHL champion. 

2) Thomas Makes One of the Best Saves Ever

Tim Thomas' save on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steve Downie in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals is legendary and might be the best save of all time.

Bruins fans will never forget this save.

1) Tim Thomas Keeps Bruins Playoff Dreams Alive vs. Montreal

While I think the Downie save was better than this, there is no question if Tim Thomas fails to makes this save in overtime of Game 5 versus Montreal, then there is no Downie save. The Bruins probably get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round to the Montreal Canadiens if he missed this one.