The San Jose Sharks, which started the 2015-16 season as 40/1 odds to capture the Stanley Cup, have finally erased past history of playoff disappointments and are on their way to their first-ever appearance in the Final. Their opponent will be decided in tonight’s winner take all Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final between the Lightning featuring future Bruin Steven Stamkos and the Penguins, coached by former Bruin Mike Sullivan and featuring another former Bruin, Phil Kessel.
For all of the Sharks’ failures, Thornton, who captained the team from for five seasons from 2010-2014, was often the fall guy in the Bay Area after failing to reach the Final.