SAN JOSE — Pete DeBoer will shuffle up the Sharks lineup in Game 4 with evidence suggesting that Joe Thornton will make his return to action.
Thornton skated on the Sharks top line in rushes at the team’s morning practice Wednesday and defenseman Joakim Ryan confirmed that he will be replacing Paul Martin as Brent Burns’ defensive partner.
After practice, Thornton dismissed the suggestion that he’ll be rejoining the Sharks lineup in Game 4 of their second-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights at SAP Center Wednesday night. When asked if he’ll be playing in Game 4, Thornton said, “no.