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Made By cole*
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
The writing was on the wall. The Boston media had decided Joe Thornton was more of a scapegoat than a super-hero. After the playoffs two years ago, when Joe played through a torn rib muscle, but registered no points, the Boston media found their man.Joe was not to blame. But Boston needed something, anything, to explain why they dropped the opening round series to eighth seeded Montreal.
And so it started. Management squabbles, Thornton continuously putting up world-class numbers, despite Boston's refusal to spend money to put great players around him.
This season, now that the Bruins front office had actually spent some dollars to try and put talent around Joe, they needed an excuse for their start. Instead of looking at the truth--injuries, a sub-par start for Andrew Raycroft, and a strong Northeast division-- the Bruins decided to pin it on Joe and ship him out of town.
Boston's loss equals San Jose's gain.
In his first three games with the underacheiving Sharks, Thornton has registered a goal and five assists, leading San Jose to three straight victories.
It's senseless to attempt to determine who's 'right' and 'wrong' in this instance, it seems obvious that the Sharks made the right move. What needs to be discussed is the mismanaging of a superstar.
Can you imagine Jarome Iginla being treated like this? The rookie phenoms Sidney and Alex? So why Joe Thornton? He's a world class player, who inked a deal that is similar to the figures given to Rick Nash and Ilya Kovalchuk, both exciting young players--both not yet as good as Joe Thornton.
Thornton made Glen Murray and Mike Knuble very rich men. Both signed deals that made them extremely wealthy. Neither have negative things to say about Joe. In fact, no one in the Boston locker room was critical of Joe Thornton.
So when does the finger get pointed at Harry Sinden? Have people given up trying to understand him, because he unabashedly does these things? Refusing to build a legitimate team around Cam Neely and Ray Bourque. Calling Joe Thornton's character into question, saying it was a mistake to make Joe the captain when they did.
Thornton has a new start, and is looking rejuvenated. Could a new start be on the way for Roberto Luongo?
Luongo is known as one of the best goalies in the world. He falls in the top three on almost everybody's lists. Yet he looks deflated in Florida. Tired of not being helped out.
So will Mike Keenan pull the trigger? He should, if he wants to get anything of value for Luongo. Face the facts, Luongo will be the most courted player this off-season, as he gets calls from almost everyone regarding his services. He won't be in Florida next season.
If Keenan wants to get something for him, rather than just allowing him to sign elsewhere--we all remember what happened to the Raptors with Tracy McGrady-- then he'd better pull the trigger on a deal soon.
It's important to get full market value for a goalie of Luongo's calibre, and if Keenan strikes now, it'll shake up the roster, and he'll be able to get some great players for him.
If Keenan waits too long, he could end up being the next Mike O'Connel.
Posted by Jon at 8:55 PM | | e-mail me