Here's To You, Joe Thornton

The San Jose Sharks seek revenge tonight as they look to go up a game in the Western Conference Finals against the St. Louis Blues.

I thought that it merited a little cardboard throwback to one of the greatest centers to play the game over the past 18 years, Jumbo Joe. 

There's long been a stigma attached to Thornton as being a "playoff choke artist". Chastised for a lack of post season success as the centerpiece to a well-rounded San Jose Sharks team.

Jumbo can still play the game at an elite level; just this past year he registered 82 points, his highest total since the 2009-10 season. As the playoffs roll on, so is he - rolling through the competition with 14 points in 16 games played.

Is there any doubt that Thornton may have had something to do with his linemate Joe Pavelski having the second-most goals in the NHL since 2013-14?

Remember "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner Jonathan Cheechoo? Played on a line with Joe and led the NHL with 56 goals in 2005-06.

A Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Olympic gold medal and 1,341 points under his belt - a Stanley Cup ring would be the metaphorical chloroform to silence his critics.

But regardless of whether Thornton ever leads the Sharks to the Stanley Cup, his production has stood the test of time in the regular season with decent Stanley Cup Playoff totals.