"Now, as an older player, I think that I've been able to tell myself that I've played a long time, I know that I'm capable and I know the mindset that I need to have to play at that level," Boucher said. "Being stressed out isn't a way to achieve that."
Boucher, now 34, questioned many decisions earlier in his career, including a stressful relationship with partner Roman Cechmanek, which partially led to a trade to Phoenix from the Flyers in 2002.
"It was like 2 or 3 years there where my career went sideways and you're questioning things," Boucher explain. "Then I had shoulder surgery one offseason and I couldn't get a job. I came back here to the Phantoms [in 2007] with a goal in mind to get back to the NHL.
"You just dig deep. I didn't know where I would go in the NHL, but San Jose ended up picking me up. And Paul Holmgren gave me a chance to play for the Phantoms when he could've played prospects. He did me a huge favor. I'm thankful for all those opportunities."
The fact that Boucher is thankful to still be playing is what adds to his comfort on the ice, not his panic. He has grown as both a player and a person. A big part of Boucher's value - when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer - is often unseen in the locker room. And he will readily tell you that he is a better goaltender because of it.
"I think I have a lot to offer, on and off the ice," Boucher said. "I feel like I bring a lot more now than when I was younger. I think I'm a more rounded teammate and a professional and I believe in all of those things.
"I look back to my time when I was 22 or 23, I had John Vanbiesbrouck. 'Beezer' was fantastic to me. I had my best year when he was my partner, due in large part to the fact that he was supportive of me and helped me with things."
Now, Boucher is paying it forward with Bobrovsky.
