A year ago today Tim Thomas was en route to his fourth shutout of the 2010-2011 playoffs, leading the Bruins to a Game 7 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.

June 15, 2011 - it was a day that no Bruins fan will ever forget.

Whether it was Nathan Horton's couple of OT goals, Michael Ryder’s glove save, Andrew Ference's middle finger or Tyler Seguin's emergence, there were many memorable moments from the B's playoff run.

Most importantly it was a historic run. When caveman-esque Zdeno Chara lifted the Stanley Cup above his head, Boston fans cried, laughed and cheered because it was a feeling they hadn't enjoyed since 1972.

And one crucial reason for the Bruins winning the Stanley Cup for the sixth time in franchise history was because of the superb goaltending by Tim Thomas. The then 37-year-old netminder stood on his head all postseason winning 16 of the 25 games the B’s played in the postseason, including three Game 7s. Thomas also took the triple crown, winning the Cup, Conn Smythe Trophy (Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP) and Vezina Trophy (awarded to the best goalie at the end of the season).

Thomas was simply the man in Boston and all of hockey, no tire pumping needed. He enjoyed his short summer by cruising around Michigan and Vermont showing off the Cup to family, friends and fans. There was even a Tim Thomas corn maze designed in New Hampshire to show appreciation for the B's goaltender. It was clear that Thomas excelled himself as one of the most beloved athletes in Boston sports.

However, a year to the same exact day Thomas kissed the Stanley Cup in the Rogers Arena, his situation got complicated like a relationship status on Facebook.

Pun intended.

Following such a promising season the aging goalie didn't have the greatest year. Thomas most notably gained negative publicity when he decided not to attend President Obama's honoring of the Bruins at the White house due his individual beliefs. Thomas then took to Facebook to explain why exactly he didn't show up - his first but certainly not last controversial Facebook post.

“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. TT”

It was a weird situation but that’s typical of Thomas’ quirky personality. However, this is where it all began.

After the Bruins were eliminated by the Caps in the first round of the playoffs, more Thomas drama surfaced. This time the issue was the fact that after their Game 7 loss to the Washington Capitals Thomas referred to his teammates as “they” and not “we,” multiple times, feeding fuel to those who thought Thomas was a selfish person.

Truthfully, when that even became a "story" it was a bit ridiculous. Now? Not so much. Perhaps it was foreshadowing.

The Thomas criticism continued when there were reports of him moving his family out of Boston and to Colorado mid-season. Again, at the time this didn't seem like a big deal but all the pieces of the puzzle were finally put together on June 3, via Facebook:

“From the earliest age I can remember, I've wanted to be a hockey player. I've been blessed in my life to not only be able to live that dream, but to achieve more than I ever thought possible.

The singleminded focus that is necessary to accomplish a dream of this magnitude entails (by necessity) sacrifice in other areas and relationships in life.

At the age of 38, I believe it is time to put my time and energies into those areas and relationships that I have neglected. That is why at this time I feel the most important thing I can do in my life is to reconnect with the three F's.

Friends, Family, and Faith.

This is what I plan on doing over the course of the next year.

On top of this, I will continue to train using the ARP/POV system www.ultrafitevosport.com and work with G-Form www.g-form.com in the development of protective equipment.

What does this portend for the future?

We'll see….God's will be done.

TT “

That was all it took. Thomas announcing his decision to sit out next year sent vibes around the hockey world, but they weren’t the same ones he produced just a year ago. There were those that criticized him for his actions -- like they did during the White House incident -- and there were those that respected his choice to miss next year.

If Thomas’ Facebook post is 100% genuine and he is sitting out due to fatigue and wanting to spend more time with his family, -- which I believe is true -- count me in as one that respects his decision. It is an unfortunate situation especially since Thomas brought Boston something they hadn’t cherished in 39 years.

Thomas had just one year left on his contract - couldn’t he just finish it and then decide his future after next season? That’s what many people want but it probably isn’t going to happen. The issue with his decision isn’t solely his sabbatical though, there’s a financial aspect of it too. He is owed $3 million for this coming season, but the hit on the Bruins salary cap is $5 million. Even if the Bruins suspend Thomas that cap hit would still count against Boston which limits their ability to make other roster moves.

Peter Chiarelli did tell the media via phone conference that Thomas had previously approached him about sitting out next year, so it wasn’t just a random surprise. Chiarelli also admitted that he was initially disappointed but respects Thomas’ decision.

“There's not much we can do,” Patrice Bergeron, Thomas’ longtime teammate, said to ESPNBoston.com. “It's his decision and if he wants to spend more time with his family, obviously we understand that. He was great for us but we feel confident in Tuukka [Rask], for sure.”

It's highly likely that the last game Thomas played as a Bruin will be remembered as allowing Joel Ward to put the dagger in his impressive run with the Black and Gold.

But whether you appreciate Thomas for his accomplishments or dislike him for his actions and beliefs, just be aware that June 15 would not have been such a memorable day for Bruins fans if it wasn't for him.

Happy Bruins Day, folks!

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