"If Jeremy Jacobs was angry Tim Thomas snubbed the White House last Monday, the Bruins owner certainly seemed over it yesterday.

In his first public comments since the goalie decided to skip the reigning Stanley Cup champions' visit with President Barack Obama because of issues he has with the federal government, Jacobs supported Thomas' right to feel and say what he believes.

"Tim is a great hockey player," said Jacobs, who was here for the league's Board of Governors meeting. "He's done his job very well for us, and I'm totally behind him. I don't necessarily agree with his political views, but that's not what he does for me. And I've got to say this: While I don't agree with it, I certainly feel he has the right to express himself as every American does, and he does a good job.""