2:53 PM Thu, Nov 30, 2006 | Permalink
Mark Divver  Email
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One year ago tonight, Bruins Nation was turned on its ear by the news that Joe Thornton had been traded to San Jose for Brad Stuart, Marco Sturm and Wayne Primeau.
Few Bruins fans thought it was a good deal at the time, and it doesn't look any better 365 days later. At best, the Bruins received 75 cents on the dollar for their captain and franchise player.
After the trade, Boston fans' worst fears were realized when Thornton finally played up to his seemingly limitless potential, winning the scoring championship and MVP trophy. The Bruins, meanwhile, finished miles out of the playoffs and underwent a long-overdue front office housecleaning.
But those who assumed that Thornton would pick up where he left off last season are being proven wrong.
He is currently 22nd in the league in scoring with a 7-20-27, -5, line in 26 games. Thornton is tied with eight other players, including Boston's Marc Savard (6-21-27, +5, in 22 games).
Those aren't bad numbers, unless you are the reigning scoring champ, MVP, and potentially one of the 10 best players in the world.
Thornton has scored only 11 points at even strength, piling up most of his points on the power play. In Thornton's defense, his sidekick Jonathan Cheechoo (56 goals last year) has been out with an injury.
But here are a couple of stats that speak volumes about Thornton's play this season: He has been credited with only eight hits in 26 games. And there have been 19 games in which he has registered zero hits.
For a man who is 6'4'' and 235 pounds and playing a contact sport, this is mind-boggling.
So far, it hasn't really mattered to the Sharks. Ron Wilson has his team rolling along with a 19-7 record. A slightly better-than-average Joe Thornton is still an upgrade over most NHL players.
It's just Joe being Joe.
By Mark Divver
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This is not in the least surpising, most fans I talk to think Joe was coasting ever since Knuble left, only the media seemed to have kittens when he was traded for what we needed more of,(a top 4 defensemana and more players with speed and a work ethic).
Joe had a great year last year,apparently he was motivated.I doubt he would have been nearly as motivated playing for Boston. San Jose has a strong leader in Marleau, great goaltending and solid defense, and if Thornton doesn't pick it up, the Sharks won't be the last team he plays for.
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