Tim Thomas From Hero to Villain Within a Year

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.