SAN JOSE — Joe Thornton might not remember all the things he has accomplished in his 18-year career. But he remembers in detail the Gordie Howe hat trick he had four years ago against the Los Angeles Kings.
Thornton fought Kings defenseman Drew Doughty in the first period, scored a goal late in the second period, and then assisted on a goal in the third.It all added up to a Gordie Howe hat trick — a goal, an assist and a fight — is what became a 6-5 win over the Kings on April 5, 2012. Former Sharks forward Ryane Clowe also had a Gordie in that game.