Joe Thornton’s puck-handling skills sure can come in handy. Like
on Friday night, when the San Jose Sharks were facing their
personal doomsday scenario. Rather than fall behind 3-0 in the
Western Conference finals, the Sharks pulled out a 4-3 win over
Vancouver thanks in large part to Thornton’s specialty: passing the
puck. His two dazzling assists in the first period helped stake the
Sharks to a 3-0 lead. But another third-period meltdown would be
coming, and another Thornton assist would be needed.
SAN JOSE
Joe Thornton’s puck-handling skills sure can come in handy. Like on Friday night, when the San Jose Sharks were facing their personal doomsday scenario.
Rather than fall behind 3-0 in the Western Conference finals, the Sharks pulled out a 4-3 win over Vancouver thanks in large part to Thornton’s specialty: passing the puck.
His two dazzling assists in the first period helped stake the Sharks to a 3-0 lead. But another third-period meltdown would be coming, and another Thornton assist would be needed.
Sure enough, Thornton set in motion a play that resulted in Dan Boyle’s eventual game-winner.
That goal gave the Sharks a seemingly secure 4-1 lead with over 13 minutes remaining. But as Thornton noted: “You don’t know if that’s a game-winner.”
Yep, as everyone has learned by now, the Sharks have become pathologically generous in third periods, so not even a 4-1 lead would be safe.
The Canucks indeed rallied with two power-play goals. But they came away one goal short of the Sharks, and their series lead got trimmed to 2-1.
Was Thornton the hero? Not exactly.
Some may think it was Patrick Marleau, who scored two goals and delivered the final pass that Boyle slammed into the Canucks’ net.
Some may think Joe Pavelski and Douglas Murray saved this one by repeatedly diving to the ice to block shots, especially when Vancouver had a 5-on-3 advantage in the second period.
Some may credit goaltender Antti Niemi, always a worthy thing to do after a playoff victory.
That said, Thornton is the captain of this team, and he played like it when it counted most this series. The Sharks scored early and often, and stockpiling goals makes sense if you’re going to keep having late-game gaffes.
Marleau shrugged off compliments about his recent offensive outburst and instead credited the man who set him up for success.
“I’m playing with some very good players, obviously, and with the best passer in the game,” Marleau said.
Think of that as Jerry Rice heaping praise on Joe Montana or Steve Young after an NFC title game.
It will take much more offensive success — and power-play excellence — for the Sharks to stay alive in their championship hunt.
For Thornton, it isn’t necessarily about outdueling the more-heralded Canucks. It is about fulfilling his duties, as well as star status.
“That’s a normal game for us: Go work hard and try to produce for the boys,” Thornton said.
Here’s how that production came about:
Goal No. 1: Thornton skated in reverse across the trapezoid behind the Vancouver net before calmly finding Marleau right in front of the Canucks’ crease. Thornton looked so smooth skating backward, it was like watching a Ferrari back out of a driveway.
Goal No. 2: Thornton wasn’t on the ice for this one, but it was still vital to see Ryane Clowe put a puck in off a rebound for a 2-0 lead.
Goal No. 3: After Marleau blocked Alexander Edler’s pass, Thornton slipped the puck up to Marleau for a breakaway and Roberto Luongo’s glove came up empty with 2:35 left in the first period.
Goal No. 4: Thornton again lurked behind the Canucks’ net before centering a pass. It zoomed past Dany Heatley and right to Boyle, who passed it to Marleau, who passed it back to Boyle, who then slapped it past a dispirited Luongo.
Those were enough goals to outscore Vancouver this time. For the Sharks to make this series tighter, they will have to keep up the shooting-gallery efforts that saw them hold a 15-1 shot advantage from the outset.
Thornton took three shots on the night, and fans constantly clamor for him to take more, especially when he holds the puck and flips it with his stick like a chef making a batch of pancakes.
Thanks to Friday night, the Sharks’ last meal won’t come in Game 4.
— Column by Cam Inman, Contra Costa Times
