I hate Joe Thornton

The working title for my last entry about hockey was "I hate Joe Thornton".  I changed it because as I began writing, the direction of the piece changed entirely from what I had set out to write.  I was at last night's game against Chicago, and it made me want to try to write it again.  So, with an angle related to the Blackhawks as well, here's why I hate Joe Thornton.  (If you aren't the least bit interested in hockey, this might be a good post to just skim over, or skip entirely.  I apologize.)

First, understand that I don't hate Thornton because he plays for a team the Canucks have met in the playoffs.  That's the reason that I hate the majority of the Blackhawks players, but for Thornton, playing for San Jose is inconsequential.  No, the reason I hate Thornton is because I feel as if I should be able to adore him.

The man stands 6'4'' and weighs 235 lbs. and is strong enough on the puck that he can shield away any defenders, while he sets up one of his finesse passes to a teammate.  Him being Canadian isn't imperative by any means, but it's a bonus.  Because of his style of play on the puck, he was able to absolutely dominate the league in assists for a couple of seasons, amassing 92 in 2006-07.  As someone who played competitive basketball and idolizes Steve Nash's style of play, I should absolutely love this type of hockey player (amazing passer).  And I do.  But not Joe; never Joe.

Seriously; no one should be able to take the puck from him.

For all his dominance in the regular season, Joe Thornton invariably struggled once the playoffs came around.  The media jumped all over him, proclaiming that he didn't have the drive that it takes to win the big games; that when the lights were bright, he wasn't.  Here's the thing: I agree with the media, but think it's unfair that Thornton shoulders the blame.  I believe, rather, that the San Jose Sharks collectively lack what it takes to win big games.  Joe is a part of it, but can sometimes be blamed too much.

This was their top line at the time; one decent player, one who fades under pressure, and the absolute laziest player in the league.

That all changed this past year.  There I was, watching the first couple rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, quietly stewing in my loathing of a player that I can never like, and he was producing.  For once, Joe Thornton wasn't disappearing during the playoffs.  The media applauded this, saying this could be the year the Sharks take that step forward; the year that Thornton claims his place among the truly elite.  I didn't buy it.  Not for a second.  And I am so satisfied that it was the Canucks who had the privilege to expose it.

Let me take you back to May.  The Canucks and Sharks are playing in the Western Conference Final.  On the line, a trip to play for the Stanley Cup.  Game 1 began, and the Sharks had the benefit of a couple early power-plays, and one horrendous Luongo giveaway, resulting in a Joe Thornton goal.  Things were looking pretty good for the Sharks; the Canucks weren't pushing back, making it tough.  I sat resolutely on my couch, knowing that it was only a matter of time.  (I say "knowing", but I suppose "hoping" is a more accurate term; I knew that as long as the Canucks pushed back even remotely, then they'd be fine.)

The third period rolled around, with the Sharks holding a one-goal advantage.  In my opinion, these are the games you prove you're an elite player.  When you either need to fend off a comeback, or close a game out, you look to the elite players to do so; not just the super-skilled, but the hyper-competitive guys who just won't take losing as an option.  If you're only familiar with the Vancouver Canucks, I would point you to Ryan Kesler against the Nashville Predators.

As the Canucks began to make a push, all of a sudden, Joe Thornton vanished.  Their whole top line, which had been dominating the game up until that point, all of a sudden crumbled.  When you're 235 pounds, nothing should be able to muscle you off the puck, but Joe Thornton doesn't abide by those rules.

Can you spot Joe Thornton in this picture?  Don't worry if it takes you a moment, you'll get it.

Ultimately, the Canucks beat the Sharks in 5 games, and my hatred for Thornton remains intact.  I realized last night that I hate the Blackhawks' Toews for the exact oposite reason.

Toews isn't a big guy, but the man plays such a ferocious, disciplined, skilled style of hockey that it doesn't matter.  Toews truly is an elite player.  But I still hate him.  I hate Thornton because I want to be able to like him, whereas I hate Toews despite wanting to like him.  He's dead to me by virtue of playing for Chicago, it's the unwritten rule of Vancouver hockey fandom.  Put Toews on any other team and he'd be one of my favourite players.  But because I know and accept that Chicago has an elite player like Toews, I am required to hate him.

Whooo, take that Blackhawks!