Thornton not surprised by performance: 'I know I'm a great player'
Calm, cool, collected, and confident.
That encapsulates Joe Thornton these days, as evidenced not only by his play on the ice but also his demeanor in the San Jose Sharks locker room.
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Following a Game 3 win over the St. Louis Blues in which he recorded two assists and has brought the Sharks to within two wins of their first Stanley Cup Final appearance, the 36-year-old was asked if he's surprised he's playing so well at this stage in his career.
His response?
"No. I know I'm a great player."
Even Brent Burns had to get in on the conversation.
@CraigCustance hardest working guy and tough to find a guy that loves the rink more then him! Lucky to get to play with a guy like that!
— Brent Burns (@Burnzie88) May 20, 2016
The numbers, of course, back him up.
Dating back to the beginning of the regular season, Thornton has recorded 93 points in 97 games, ranking him fifth among all NHL players. While his numbers are reflective of the talent assembled around him in San Jose, they also speak to his ability to carry the game on his stick.
Already a lock for the Hall of Fame, the Stanley Cup is the one big piece missing from his resume. If he keeps playing like he is, that could soon change.