(Photo: Bridget Samuels/) Tim Thomas made his first start in Boston since "White House gate" and got a standing ovation from the sold out TD Garden crowd.

One of the many great things about this country is the ability to be free, but sometimes when people exercise their ability to use their freedom, it rubs people the wrong way, just ask Bruins goalie Tim Thomas about that statement.

Thomas sent the sports world —especially the Boston media— into an absolute frenzy last week when he exercised his freedom and chose not to join his Bruins teammates at the White House where they were honored by President Barack Obama for their Stanley Cup victory just a season ago.

Thomas addressed his decision on his Facebook page, simply stating he was not happy with the United States Government and therefore he would not attend the meet and greet.

The backlash of his decision was one no one saw coming. Fans and media alike bashed Thomas for his decision and some even demanded the Bruins trade the reigning Conn Smythe winner because of his political views. The crazy over-reactions went so far Thomas was labeled “racist” by more then one “professional” hockey writers.

Heading into last night’s tilt against the Ottawa Senators, the Bruins first game at their TD Garden home since the incident, people were not sure how the Bruins faithful would treat Thomas as he took the ice for the evenings matchup.

“I was pretty certain” said Thomas when asked if he knew he would receive a positive reaction from the fans. “But having said that, I didn’t take it for granted. I was mentally prepared either way.”

Whether you agree with his White House snub decision or not, Thomas was right about this one as he received a standing ovation from the sold out TD Garden crowd.

“Yeah, I was happy to hear the reception from the fans. It was just good to hear, you know?” said Thomas who made 30 saves in last night’s 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators. “And I wanted to get them a win real bad. When we got down there in the second I didn’t know if we’d be able to pull it off, but we found a way again.”

It’s obvious the Bruins will need both Thomas and Tuukka Rask as they soon approach the grind that is the end of the regular season and beginning of the National Hockey League playoffs.

Putting this matter in the rear view mirror subduing any possible distractions is certainly best for the team.