The Sharks will be without center Joe Thornton for Game Four of their first-round series against Vegas after the Department of Player Safety announced (video link) that he has been given a one-game suspension for an illegal check to the head on Golden Knights forward Tomas Nosek.
The incident occurred in the second period on Sunday night when Thornton caught Nosek’s head with his shoulder after Nosek had made a pass. Despite receiving a two-minute minor for an illegal check to the head on the play, Thornton told reporters postgame, including Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News, that he didn’t think it warranted any supplemental discipline:
I honestly thought I barely touched him. He just came right back; it was just one of those plays that it is what it is. I think my son hits me like that six times a day, it’s just a weird position to put himself in. That’s all.
Losing the 39-year-old is a big blow for San Jose, who is down 2-1 in the series. Thornton has picked up a point in each of the three games thus far and sits tied for third on the Sharks in scoring in the series. He will be eligible to return for Game Five on Thursday night.
No Cup for Joe. Hahahahaha!
That would be “Mr. Iron Balls”, to you, pal!
^ hilarious …