In examining Game Five of this series, there were some things that the Sharks had been lacking that came together, including success for some of the Sharks stars: Dany Heatley awoke with two assists and a plus-one rating, while Patrick Marleau scored the first goal for the Big Three and was also plus-one.
And then there was Joe Thornton. He had no points and was even in a game the team won 5-0, making him one of only three forwards held scoreless and one of only four who failed to finish in the black.
I am not asking him to be our best forward like he is in the regular season, even though that would be fair. But he is worst on the team in plus/minus at minus-three, and tied with the likes of stay-at-home defenceman Douglas Murray, rookie Logan Couture, and fourth-line grinder Scott Nichol in points.
In other words, he has been among the team's worst players in this series. If this team is going to win beyond this round, they will need their sleeping giant to wake up.
Todd McLellan should not wait. It is Thornton who should be demoted to the third line—what good is it to have him out there with the speedy Marleau and Torrey Mitch ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by MJ Kasprzak
San Jose Sharks: Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley Awaken, Jumbo Still Sleeps
April 23rd, 2010 by MJ Kasprzak Leave a reply »
Advertisement