I've spent the last 3 years defending Joe Thornton. Even last year when the Sharks lost in 6 games in the first round, I pointed out how poorly the second line played. I pointed out the bad coaching decisions made by Todd in trying too hard to win the division.
I take it all back.
Watching Sidney Crosby, with the game on the line, dominate for a minute and a half of astonishing hockey, and the watching Joe come right after, was depressing.
Whereas Crosby did everything but carry the puck in the net, controlling play, dominating play, Joe disappeared.
His line missed the key face-off, and then, couldn't play good enough defense to stop an empty net goal.
It was a revelation. Crosby dominated the play, controlled the ice and controlled the game. But Joe, well, he disappeared.
There is this thing called heart. I'm not sure what it is. But there are people who play better when the chips are down. And there are people who simply can not.
Joe is one of those who can not.
With Joe Thornton you can not win anything.
Sad, but true.
