Ask A Panelist... 4/22/2008

Written by Chris Wassel | 22 April 2008

Hey folks!! Welcome to another edition of Ask A Panelist.  This week, we are looking to the West coast, as our question comes from the highly regarded Arena Sharks GM Butterfly.  She asks

"Will Joe Thornton ever manage to be a force to reckon with in the playoffs?"

Joe Thornton has been well recognized in the league as one of the best all around playmakers in the game today.  There is absolutely no question that he is a master of his trade, and with well over 200 points in his last two seasons (159 of them being assists), it is clear that his intentions of being a constant offensive threat is evident.

But one argument has plagued Mighty Joe for the last few playoff series he participated in, and that is his mild transparence when the going gets tough.  Let’s consider a few things and see what has really happened, because I know if I don’t give Joe the benefit of the doubt, Cherry will find me and smack me around.

Statisically, Joe has played to about a point per game average, with a far greater emphasis on assists.  With 22 assists in 28 playoff games over the last three appearances, I am getting a fairly good concept of what he really was missing, and that would be a collection of young players to compete with.  I am not going to pretend that Boston did not have a viable team during his final playoff appearance with them, but at the same time, if you look at new age playmakers like Crosby, Spezza, and Gomez, each have players they can rely on to receive and finish the fantastic passes they can provide. 

I don’t think the focus should be on Joe Thornton the player, but as a leader on that team, I believe the spotlight should be on his fellow players.  There should be little argument that if one were to give Joe the puck in a scoring opportunity, he is going to create chances and take advantage of other teams mistakes.  Joe will step up as a leader, and as I write this, I have noticed he has scored on the powerplay in a critical game seven, which gave his team the early lead.

I have no question Joe can handle the pressure in the playoffs, and considering statistically he has all but matched his regular season numbers in a playoffs which brings together the best teams in the National Hockey League,  I believe that being a pillar visually is Joe’s only handcuff.

If I have not summed it up already, I’ll do it one more time.  Give Joe a chance to shine, with players that are prepared to bury chances provided, and I personally guarantee a deep playoff run for the Sharks, and a clear cut favourite for the Conn Smythe if they win a cup.  Keep asking those questions, and thanks for the submission butterfly!