Early celebration for Thomas

When Washington Capitals rookie phenom Alexander Ovechkin missed the net on a penalty shot -- going wide glove side -- at 2:50 of the second period last night, Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas started celebrating. Then the netminder caught himself, realizing he was overdoing it just a tad. After all, there was a lot of time left.

''I actually thought twice about it afterward," said Thomas, who has earned the Bruins at least a point in each of their last seven games. ''I was like, 'Man, I'd better play good the rest of this game or else I look like . . . not too smart.' It's OK to do that in a shootout because the game's almost over. Partly I couldn't help myself. The crowd was so loud right before he went to go take the shot and after [he missed], the cheers were so loud I got a little carried away."

Thomas, who improved to 5-0-2, has helped the Bruins climb out of their funk but he said he is by no means the only reason.

''At times, I've been a part of it and at other times, the team has kind of carried me in certain situations," said Thomas, who made 32 saves last night. ''Even tonight, I think I played a pretty good game but that second goal, I'd like to have it back. Then the team was able to get a goal [25] seconds later to get the lead back. It's a combination. I've been helping the team but the team has been helping me huge, immensely."

General manager Mike O'Connell said goaltending has been a factor in the team's turnaround.

''It always is a factor," said O'Connell. ''Moreso now than ever because of the way the game is called now."

O'Connell said Thomas's play hasn't been a surprise, even though Thomas wasn't in Boston to start the season. He began the season in Finland, was signed by Boston, then played in Providence of the AHL before the team called him up after Hannu Toivonen and Andrew Raycroft went down with injuries. Thomas had to clear waivers to make it to Boston.

''We were very concerned," said O'Connell. ''We had our fingers crossed and lit a couple of candles."

Now that Thomas is here and playing well, O'Connell said the goaltender is doing what the Bruins knew he was capable of doing.

''He had 15 shutouts in Finland last year," said O'Connell. ''Fifteen shutouts in any league -- and that's one of the top leagues in the world. This guy is a quality goalie. We knew he was a good goalie and he's just getting his chance. He's 31 but he's a young 31. It's a testament to him, he's always believed in himself. He's got a great attitude. No one should be surprised that he's doing this. He's proved that he can play. He deserves to be here."

Another downer

Former captain Joe Thornton was assessed a second boarding major and game misconduct this season in a game against the Kings Tuesday night for his hit on Tom Kostopoulos. ''I went out of my way to make sure I hit him from the side," Thornton told the media in San Jose. ''I made it a point to hit his shoulder." In the Sharks' only meeting against Boston this season, Jan. 10 at the Garden, Thornton was thrown out just over five minutes into the game for a hit from behind on defenseman Hal Gill. At the time, Gill said he thought the punishment was too severe. Apparently the league agreed because Thornton's game misconduct has since been rescinded . . . The Bruins were 1 for 5 on the power play last night and Washington was 2 for 6 . . . Red Sox outfielder Trot Nixon was in attendance, sitting in the special premium seats between the team's benches . . . NHL rosters will be frozen from Feb. 13-27 as part of the break for the Turin Olympics. Once the competition is over, the regular season will resume Feb. 28, with the Bruins' first contest coming a day later -- in Carolina March 1. The trading deadline is March 9 at 3 p.m. . . . The Bruins Academy will hold its second celebrity bartending event Jan. 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sports Grille, 132 Canal St., across the street from the Garden. Players scheduled to participate are Andrew Alberts, Brad Boyes, Pat Leahy, and Toivonen. Tickets are $10 each and are available online or at the door. For information, call 617-624-1917 or log on to BostonBruins.com. Proceeds will benefit the Bruins' Foundation . . . The Massachusetts-based band Staind will perform after the Bruins' game against the Islanders tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the Garden.