Time and time again, Joe Thornton's proven himself to be one of the games all-time greats with his inhuman vision and playmaking ability. There's no arguing his play on the ice merits a shrine in Toronto someday, yet somehow he still manages to impress me with his leadership, character and toughness.
Early in the second period of the Sharks 4-1 loss in Washington, Thornton made contact with a falling TJ Oshie along the boards. Jumbo's hip caught a helpless Oshie in the head. The Caps forward lay on the ice for several minutes before heading to the locker room. He didn't return.
The Caps took exception to the contact and sought vengeance on Thornton in the third period. Tough guy Tom Wilson challenged the elder Shark to a fight and Joe obliged. Wilson got the best of Thornton, but I was really impressed. The 38-year-old's willingness to defend himself resonated with myself and his teammates.
After the fight, Timo Meier, who scored the Sharks lone goal, fought Brooks Orpik. Rookie Barclay dropped the gloves with Alex Chiasson. Brendon Dillon went lumberjack with his twig. It was as if a spark ignited a snuffed out flame on the San Jose bench. Even the often stone-faced Pete Deboer showed some intensity and emotion and had some choice words for the Caps bench.
In total, the Sharks were handed 37 minutes of penalties in the final 20 minutes of a non-divisonal and non-conference game. And I loved it.
It was clear after that weird double-reviewed no goal/goal/off side no goal/goal sequence in the final minute of the second period, it simply wasn't going to be a good night for San Jose.
The Sharks lost the final two games of the East Coast trip, but they showed some guile. San Jose showed they do have fire in their bellies and grisel in their teeth. They showed that even a weaker version of themselves can be a formidable foe. For myself, it's a clear indicator this Sharks team will be in the playoff mix until the very end.
And it all started with a cagey vets willingness to defend himself. From playing through injuries to fighting a goon, Joe Thornton is awesome and the Sharks go as he goes. Even when not putting up points, he is making a difference. In the age of chirping and diving, it's refreshing to see a bit of old-time hockey on the ice again.
Thanks for reading, Steve