If the result of the game was the same no matter what, would you rather Tim Thomas have more periods like the first and second period Thursday, or like the third period and overtime? 

In the first period, Thomas faced two shots, neither of which were challenging. In the second, he faced seven shots, again without challenge. That’s something Thomas has actually gotten used to recently -- from the March 19 game against the Maple Leafs through the second period Thursday night, Thomas faced only 40 shots at TD Garden over an eight-period span, or an average of five shots per period. That’s barely anything. 

Think of it this way: At a point of the season in which the B’s are not only trying to gear up for the playoffs, but make sure Thomas is as sharp as he can be for the postseason, Thomas spent two-thirds of regulation barely involved in the game. The obvious plus there is that the lack of shots faced keeps Thomas from being overworked, but it doesn’t keep him engaged. 

Then other option is the third period and overtime, when Thomas faced a combined 14 shots from a much more animated Capitals offense. He allowed two goals, only one of which he saw, but he was getting his work in, much like he would in the playoffs. 

The fact that the Bruins were able to keep the Caps, who had 45 shots on goal on Tuesday against Buffalo, to only nine shots through two periods speaks volumes to just how strong defensively and in shot-blocking (Andrew Ference had a pair of blocked shots through two periods) they can be regardless of pairings. The B’s have limited opponents’ shots in recent games using the super pairing of Zdeno Chara and Dennis Seidenberg, but even with Seidenberg out and the team having to play most of the first 40 minutes without McQuaid, they kept Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington offense quiet. 

Asked after the game whether he would rather the slower periods or to remain engaged the whole way, Thomas said it’s out of his hands. 

“I don’t think like that,” he replied. “You’re just kind of showing up and playing. You’ve got to go into it with a clear mind so that you can be ready to react to whatever comes your way. You can’t plan a game [like], ‘Oh I hope I get a lot of shots in the first,’ like that. So, I’m not even thinking about stuff like that.”

If the current playoff picture held true, the Bruins would face the Senators in the first round. Ottawa has averaged a shade under 34 shots on goal over its last eight games, so the Bruins probably won’t be facing 13-shot nights like they did against Toronto. In fact, Thomas faced 26 shots or more in 22 of the 25 games he played last postseason. 

The defensive play is certainly a positive sign for the Bruins, but minimal shot nights likely won’t come often in the playoffs. Thomas says he’s prepared either way, but he could stand to have a few more nights like Saturday, when he saw 42 shots against the Kings. 

“My job is just to be ready whatever period it might happen, or whether it happens or not,” Thomas said of potentially seeing an onslaught of shots. “I think I’ve had a few games where I don’t get a ton of shots lately, mixed in with other ones. But tonight actually I felt like I was in the game the whole time, my mind didn’t wander away. It’s good practice to get situations like that.”

As for the workload, Thomas says he feels fine physically and he has no preference regarding how much he plays for the rest of the way leading into the playoffs. Thursday marked his 57th game of the season, which is as many as he played in last regular season. He’s made 53 starts this campaign, compared to 55 a year ago. Marty Turco could be between the pipes Saturday against the Islanders, but Thomas was quick to point out that the starting goaltender isn’t up to him. 

“I haven’t really thought about it one way or the other, that’s how little of an issue it is as far as how I feel physically on the ice,” Thomas said. “I can play them all or we can split it up. It doesn’t really matter to me. 

“I’m basically the employee -- they tell me to play and I play. That’s the way I approach it. I don’t want the coach’s job. That isn’t very fun.”

CORVO READY FOR MORE?

Joe Corvo was back in the lineup for the first time Thursday after sitting out the previous six contests as a healthy scratch. His first season in Boston has been a rough one, as the addition of Greg Zanon eventually forced him out of the lineup, but Dennis Seidenberg’s infected cut on his leg helped Corvo back in. 

The veteran blueliner handled his minutes well Thursday. Skating on different pairings throughout the game, Corvo played 20:03, had an even rating and didn’t commit any of the costly turnovers that have often left Bruins fans frustrated this season. Confidence has always been something to watch with Corvo, and he felt good after Thursday’s game. 

“It felt good,” Corvo said of getting back into the lineup. “I mean, nobody likes to not be able to contribute to the team and just practice every day and not get to play in games, so it felt good to be part of the team again in a game situation.”

Corvo should be prepared to potentially stay in the lineup if McQuaid’s injury keeps him out or if Seidenberg remains out vs. the Islanders. Claude Julien didn’t mind what he saw out of him Thursday, and he may be seeing more of him Saturday.

“I didn’t see any glaring mistakes that would point the finger in his direction,” Julien said. “To me, he was still a decent puck-moving defensemen, so I don’t, certainly wouldn’t qualify him as a bad player tonight.”