SAN JOSE — Joe Thornton managed just four assists in his first 15 games this season, but perhaps it wasn’t altogether fair to judge his play by the numbers alone.
With injuries and a suspension testing the Sharks’ forward depth throughout October and early November, Thornton at times found himself playing with wingers on the Sharks’ third line that either lacked experience or a significant history of scoring goals in the NHL.
Things are different now, though, and not coincidentally, Thornton feels his game is getting back on track. Since the start of last Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, Thornton has been on a line with fellow franchise icon Patrick Marleau and speedy winger Marcus Sorensen.