I listened to the same radio coverage (unlike yerfatma I live for the carnage) and someone should nominate Harry Sinden for Best Week Ever. Here's this guy who's the President of the Bruins and can completely separate himself from any responsibility without the bat of an eyelash. It's all Mike O'Connell's deal...I'm not that involved...etc. Yet WEEI calls him at 7am for an interview, not the guy who made the deal.
Ridiculous. I'm still shocked. This is a shake-up move for two teams that should be performing better - but the Sharks got the better deal simply because they got the better player. Sturm is a soft player who never measured up to potential, Stuart was lauded as a possible Olympic player a few years back - but really is far from an elite defenceman in the way that Thorton is an elite centre and Wayne Primeau is a good role guy. I think Thorton was frustrated and didn't react well to his frustration, but if there is a Boston fan out there who likes this deal, or defends it because Thorton 'wasn't working hard enough' - then I have some Moose pasture just north of Elliot Lake to sell you. He is still young, still incredibly skilled and still one of the best centres in the game. What a stupid, stupid move (even if the Bruins marginally improve it's still a stupid move). I'd have traded Samsonov, Murray, Raycroft and Boynton way before Thorton.
The jury is still out on this one. Based on this season alone I say the B's got better. Decent offensive winger, Above average D-man, and a solid role player. Thorton never showed that leadership that was expected of him and was a total playoff bust. You can't compare Thorton to Sturm/Stuart/Primeau one on one, you have to look at what the B's gain as a whole. Help on D, some grit, and another underachiving foward. I could be wrong, Thorton could turn it around, but regular season numbers don't mean much to me, playoff sucsess does.
I could be wrong, Thorton could turn it around, but regular season numbers don't mean much to me, playoff sucsess does. Well, you've got to get to the playoffs too. He's on pace for about 110 points this year; what's with all this talk that he's not playing up to potential? He's also 26.
Everyone harps about the last round of playoffs and Thorton's performance. And I get flummoxed - does anyone read? - Thorton had no business even being on the ice he was hurt so bad. Bruised ribs, ankle strain and some other ailments that should have kept him out. He played because that's what he was supposed to do - sacrifice the body for the common goal. When he's filling it for the Sharks, the chickens are coming home to roost on this one. Boston ain't going to see a player of his calibre for a long time.
Yeah, the guy didn't win a series while maimed and he is crucified for it...Calls for giving up the "C" and shit. And people say the Toronto media is bad (which it is, but I'm just sayin...). My only personal criticism of Joe's play is that he didn't maximize his effectiveness. He wasn't dangerous as often as he could be. Seeing him camp out behind the net, while productive, allowed defenses to rest and key in on what was going on, which is never a good thing. But this is as minor a criticism of a player like Joe I can make. And anybody who saw Primeau blast a slapper from the top of the right circle while blood streams from his nose realizes the Bruins got a Bruin.
The Bruins are becoming the Cardinals of the NHL. Or the Expos.
When he's filling it for the Sharks, the chickens are coming home to roost on this one. Boston ain't going to see a player of his calibre for a long time. As a Toronto Maple Leaf fan, I'm quite happy to have Thorton on the other side of the continent, instead of on a division rival. I think this is all about money and respect. Boston is owned by one of the worst owners in pro sports (rated 4th worst by a recent Sporting News or ESPN), and his only commitment is to make money. I can't begrudge him that, but to then dress-down your team in the media and then trade your most talented player? Disgusting. The respect angle comes from the power struggle between the coach and the captain/star. The coach wins, but I think the team is the loser overall.
Not only did Boston trade some guy 'Thorton', they traded Thornton, too.
the n key on my keyboard doesn't work. Oh wait there it goes.
"Jeremy Jacobs took the easy way out..."
here's some more links Duha - "In Thornton, the Sharks received the player chosen first overall in the 1997 entry draft, just ahead of Patrick Marleau, their top scorer. The two are virtually mirror images of one another in terms of size and scoring ability and immediately gives the Sharks one of the best one-two punches down the middle of any team in the NHL." Raycroft "I'll definitely cross my fingers that I'm still here tomorrow I guess, too. If Joe can go, anybody can go. I'll be waiting by the phone." Harris - "No doubt, a key to the move is the belief that 20-year-old B's forward Patrice Bergeron has a chance step up and fill the No. 1 center role." Guregian - "...this is a huge gamble on O'Connell's part, one he was forced to take, thanks in large part to his bungling the job of putting the team together prior to this season."
Thornton will be on the same team with center Patrick Marleau, who was taken No. 2 in the 1997 draft, as well as his cousin, left wing Scott Thornton. A buddy from Junior, and a family member? Hmm. Why do I get the feeling Joe Thornton is going to fit in just fine with the Sharks?
As my fantasy league results attest, Bergeron does not have -- not now -- what it takes to be a number one centre. Not at all.
Who wears the C now?
Jason Varitek.
Eddie Shore! Piss on Eddie Shore!
I can't even speak right now. I'll wait to see the new guys play before I totally freak out, but I have a feeling there's going to be a serious freak-out in my future.
Be strong, Samsonov. It's gonna be okay, especially if the Bruins aren't done dealing. They've got some wiggle room to trade up somewhere else, and they'd do good to use it.
Sturm scores the first goal and gets a helper and Boston shuts out Ottawa? The trade is ... a success!
So one win equals trade success? Wait til' April before making that judgement.
Domi - "....an embarrassment to owners..." "There is a little collusion going on there for sure," Domi said. "It's unfortunate there wasn't a grievance but then again Ted (Saskin) is the leader of the union and he didn't do it. He didn't set the grievance." I've got to agree with Domi on the collusion comment. That the Marchant waiver deal was complete horseshit. Anybody with a brain could see that. Gotta love those loopholes that fly in the face of a 'no trade' clause.
I hope Jacobs gets mad at Domi and says something. Then I hope Domi says something back about Jeremy's mom. And then I hope Jacobs yells back and shoves Tie. And I hope they fight. And I hope they show it live on TV. That would be awesome.
Exelby wouldn't drop the gloves last night so Domi is a little pent up. Jacobs better set up a dental appointment in advance.
