Shawn Thornton has a cult following among Boston Bruins fans.
Something tells us the sight of the B's forward trying to go after the Chicago Blackhawks' bench, while bleeding profusely from a 40-stitch gash, is going to further endear him:
Thornton's ghastly moment began with Corey Crawford making a point-blank save on him; it ended with the Bruin taking an accidental skate near the eye from Fernando Pisani of the Blackhawks.
Thornton, who didn't return to the game, received around 40 stitches above his right eye. Via WEEI, what Thornton said after the game about getting chirped by the Blackhawks' bench:
"If I ever find who it was, I'll deal with it my own way," Thornton said. "Yeah something was said. Obviously I can't swear when I talk to you guys. There was some stuff said that I am not happy about."
Cameras showed Thornton shoving and nearly punching Van Massenhoven, who was actually trying to stand between Thornton and the Chicago bench. "He heard it and he was [ticked]," Thornton said. "He was [ticked] too. He didn't know who it was either. He actually yelled at their bench. I appreciate it. Those guys on their team chirp a lot. I don't know if it is right when someone's face is half across the other side of their face."
We imagine this will serve as ample fodder for a few more Things Shawn Thornton Has Said.
The Bruins defeated Chicago, 3-0, as Tim Thomas got his second shutout in three games and Mark Recchi moved ahead of Paul Coffey into 12th on the all-time points list.
Thanks to Jeff Israel for the image.