Joe Thornton can’t wait to play for the Maple Leafs tomorrow
Anthony Scultore
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Joe Thornton practiced today and total the media, “I can’t wait to play tomorrow.” The veteran of 23 hockey seasons last played on January 20th against the Oilers. He suffering a rib injury and has been out since.
Joe Thornton itching to play
At age 47, Thornton still loves to play and is excited to get back into action after missing 10 games. He had a goal and an assist in the five games he’s played so far this season.
“I’ve been taking some light hits and some big hits and medium hits so right now I feel really good,” he told the press today. “I got no restrictions so the hardest part is over here, and now I can just go and focus on playing.”
Leafs one of the NHL’s best
Toronto leads the NHL with 23 points and are 4th in points percentage in the league. They lead the North Division in all respective categories. They are also 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.
Darren Dreger was recently on TSN 1050 and asked about the Maple Leafs. As injuries to key forwards mount with Wayne Simmonds and Joe Thornton out, there’s no panic in Toronto. Now that Thornton is on the way back, it’s even less pressing.
“Those players are difficult to replace and there is zero panic on that bench or around the organization, or zero pressure to add a piece,” Dreger said. “Now some are wondering about adding another forward, six-seven-eight forward. Well if that piece is available, that might be the piece that Dubas goes after.”
Dreger also noted that if a defenseman that fits becomes available that could be another route for the Leafs to take. Bottom line, Toronto believes they can win the Stanley Cup this year and will make appropriate moves to do so.