Joe Thornton is showing signs that he may be ready to shed the reputation of playoff underachiever.
Joe Thornton answered the bell.
The big centre for the San Jose Sharks, who has been justly criticized for his inability to raise the level of his play in the playoffs, served notice in the first round that this year will -- err, could -- be different. Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.
The Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy winner in 2006 stood tall against the Los Angeles Kings, scoring a pair of game-winners including the overtime goal that ushered the Sharks into the second round. When his team needed him most, Thornton was there.
There is pressure on the Sharks to succeed this year; no question about it. They have been primed for a championship run for a long time and last year's defeat in the Western Conference final failed to satisfy those who expect so much more from this particular group. And there is immense pressure on Thornton to once and for all lead his team to glory. His reputation depends on it.
Whether he deserved it or not, Thornton was named captain of the Sharks this season, replacing the retired Rob Blake who replaced Patrick Marleau who wasn't deemed to be up for the task. Like it or not, Thornton is the face of the Sharks.
He has been described as too laid back; too easy going to lead a group at a time of year when fierceness and determination are what separates winners from losers. The truth of the matter is Ryan Clowe probably better fits the role as team leader -- a player who lays it all on the line and inspires his teammates through gritty, heartfelt performances. Clowe led the Sharks in goals (four) and points (seven) in the first round, but it was Thornton who really stepped up when the game was on the line, scoring the game-winning goals in Game 4 and in overtime of Game 6.
When he scored the series-clinching goal, Thornton reacted with an uncharacteristic Theo Fleury-like boogie woogie goal celebration. You could also feel Thornton's sense of relief. Perhaps that feeling -- the feeling of individual success -- will inspire him to even greater performances moving forward. Heaven knows the San Jose Sharks need him.
Twin trouble
The Sedin brothers could win back-to-back Hart trophies, having already won consecutive scoring championships. But you really have to wonder if such an accomplishment will satisfy Vancouver Canucks fans if the team doesn't, at the very least, make it to the Stanley Cup final?
Daniel and Henrik were okay in the first round against Chicago, but when the team hit the skids after building a 3-0 series lead, they disappeared. Then, in Game 1 against Nashville, both of the twins managed six shots on goal, but failed to register a point in what turned out to be a rather dull 1-0 victory. The Sedins need to be better if Vancouver is to meet expectations.
Blackhawks done ... but not out
One year after winning their first Stanley Cup since 1961, the Chicago Blackhawks failed to make it out of the opening round of the playoffs. Fear not Hawks fans; this is not a team that will win one title and then comfortably slide into oblivion. That much was proved when the Blackhawks fell behind 3-0 in the series and not only came back to tie it, but took Game 7 to overtime.
Everybody knew, win or lose, the Blackhawks were going to be reconstructed following last season because of salary cap consideration. Lost in the shuffle were many of the valuable depth players who helped the Hawks win the Cup. However, the heart and soul of the team -- Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook -- remain intact. You can probably throw David Bolland into that mix, too.
The Blackhawks will be heard from again … and real soon.
