Monday night, Thomas, a native of Flint, Mich., released a statement on his Facebook page explaining that he declined to visit the White House because he believes the federal government is out of control.
“It is what it is,’’ Bruins winger Milan Lucic said. “I don’t think it really matters what I think about it. I still enjoyed the day and took part in the opportunity.
“I know the other guys that were there had a lot of fun. It’s something that I, personally, will remember for the rest of my life.’’
Thomas declined to comment yesterday.
All in all, according to the team source, Thomas’s actions detracted from a day of celebration, which included a White House tour and a ceremony in the East Room. It was an act in sharp contrast to the team-first approach the Bruins believe led them to the Cup last season.
“I think our group is all mature enough to look past that,’’ said coach Claude Julien. “Our group was very proud, honored, and privileged to have gone to the White House.
“We don’t mix politics with hockey. In this dressing room here, our job is to win hockey games and win hockey games as a team. That’s what we are.’’
Before last night’s game against the Capitals, Julien was asked whether Thomas’s act of putting himself before the team would cause problems with his teammates. Julien was loath to answer the question, preferring to focus on the Capitals.
“I don’t think I want to stand here and answer these questions today when we’ve got Washington tonight,’’ Julien said. “Our biggest concern right now is about winning this hockey game. It’s also about leaving [before] the All-Star break with a win under our belt and hopefully having a chance to be in first place.
