San Jose Sharks: Surprises and Disappointments from Preseason

Surprise: Joe Thornton

Jan 16, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton (19) scores a goal past Florida Panthers goalie Tim Thomas (34) as defenseman Mike Weaver (43) tries to defend in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Thornton has zero assists in the three preseason games that he has played. To add to that, he has three goals. Maybe by taking that “C” off of his jersey, he finally realized, “maybe I should shoot more, because every time I shoot I score.” Maybe he finally realized that he should listen to the coaching staff, because they have more power than he does. Or maybe it is just a coincidence. But either way, Jumbo Joe seems to finally be putting some goals up on the board.

Last season, Thornton tallied 11 goals and was second in the NHL last year in assists with 65 to total 76 points in all 82 games in teal last year. He has always had a great shot, he just does not use it, and that is what frustrates many people including the coaching staff. I often think that if he had a breakaway, he would pass it instead of shoot.