Good Job, Kid

        Game 7 between the Boston Bruins and the Washington Capitals was great for many reasons. It was filled with great action, pure determination, and a thrilling overtime finish, with Joel Ward putting the rebound home approximately three minutes into overtime. Both teams played great games. There were many great battles, like the ones we saw between Alex Ovechkin and Dennis Seidenberg, and also Jason Chimera and Milan Lucic. Both teams played like they wanted it. It was what one might expect out of a Game 7.
        There was one thing, though, that stood out to me the most during this eventful Game 7; but it happened after the game. After a series, players line up to shake hands, which is a old playoff tradition. In the handshake lines, Tim Thomas, aged 38, said to Braden Holtby, aged 22, "Good job, kid." I was in awe. He didn't have to say that, but he did. Those are words Holtby will probably remember for the rest of his life. It was a really cool moment to see, after witnessing the emotions of a seven game series occur all series long. When it was over, there was nothing but respect between the two competitors. That is what sportsmanship is all about.
        Earlier this year, Tim Thomas disappointed me when he did not attend a ceremony at the White House, in celebration of the Bruins winning the Stanley Cup last year, because he simply did not agree with President Obama's political beliefs. After that incident, I really lost a lot of respect for Thomas; but after hearing him say, "Good job, kid," to Braden Holtby last night, he certainly gained back my full respect.