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Report: Sharks owner tells GM Wilson, Thornton to 'focus on hockey'

BERND SETTNIK / DPA / Getty

The hockey world was abuzz with an indirect war of words between San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson and star center Joe Thornton on Friday, and the club's owner has stepped in as mediator.

Wilson, who stated to season ticket holders that pressure and stress of being team captain got to Thornton, was later told to shut his mouth by the man they call Jumbo.

Steps were then taken to put out the fire, as reported by Elliotte Friedman during the "Saturday Headlines" segment of Hockey Night in Canada.

(Friday) night, Doug Wilson and Joe Thornton had a phone call together to talk and smooth out the air, and today, the owner of the San Jose Sharks, Hasso Plattner, confirmed by email that he spoke with both Thornton and Wilson. He didn't want to go much into the conversation, but he did say the message was 'what happens in San Jose should stay in San Jose,' particularly since they have to try to get (to) the playoffs and they're facing a road trip that goes through Canada. So right now, even with (Saturday's) defeat (vs. Chicago), the message from the owner on down is 'let's focus on hockey, we'll worry about all of this after the season.'

The Sharks, who are in real danger of missing the playoffs, are set to head out on a season-defining seven-game road trip and will need all fins on deck in order to avoid a disappointing end to the regular season.

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