The Snub

Tim Thomas during the NHL All-Star Weekend

The Boston Bruins are currently in a mid-season funk, with a 6-7-1 record in the last 14 games. Perhaps it's the injuries and suspensions (see Nathan Horton's concussion and Andrew Ference/Brad Marchand suspensions) that took its toll, or that the other teams have started to clamp down defensively on the defending champions. But perhaps it was the no-show at the White House by their Vezina-winning goalie that somehow affected their focus.

On January 23, the Bruins visited the White House for a traditional championship salute by none other than the President of the United States. President Barack Obama congratulated, saluted, and then was presented a sweater by the Bruins team that recently won the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. A majority of players and staff from last year's team were present for the event. However, one notable player was absent.

The Conn Smythe winner Tim Thomas decided to skip the event for 'political reasons'. In a  written statement, Thomas said:

"I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People. This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government. Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL. This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic."

The next night, the Bruins were sideswiped by the Washington Capitals 5-3, and were 3-5 since Thomas's no-show. They still lead the Northeast Division by four points, but are now nine behind the Eastern Conference-leading Rangers, who beat them 3-0 on Henrik Lundqvist's shutout. How will this affect the Bruins' season? Time will only tell.