***IN THE SLOT*** OUR PRIMETIME STARS OF THE NIGHT

1. TUUKKA RASK G BOSTON

Rask had big shoes to fill this year with Tim Thomas' decision to not play this season, and he performed admirably with 19 wins, a 2.00 GAA and a .929 SP. He came up big last night with 45 saves against Toronto to give Boston the series lead at 2-1. Rask should be an early pick this fall for goalie option in your league's draft as he is a terrific goalie on a solid team tha can roll out 3 good lines.

2. DAVE KREJCI C BOSTON

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Tim Thomas is "comfortable" with the trade to the Islanders, according to Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli.

Thomas is still expected to sit out the season, and though there are rumors that indicate he'd only return to the NHL with the Bruins, he'll have to change his tune there if he does play hockey again, which Chiarelli says he's "contemplating." "I spoke with Tim to make him aware of this trade and he understood. He knew that this was the type of thing that I had talked to him about earlier on in the summer and in the fall, that this could happen," said Chiarelli. "He was comfortable with it and he sounded quite at peace with himself. [It was a] brief conversation, but I just wanted to talk a little bit about Tim because he was an important member of this team."

The acquisition of Tim Thomas will only cost the New York Islanders a draft pick if he actually reports to them.

In other words, if Thomas doesn't play, the Islanders don't have to give up a second rounder. The question now is if the Islanders will toll his contract in the hope that he decides to play in the 2013-14 campaign. As it is, the odds of Thomas returning this season are slim to none.