Breaking: NHL suspends Joe Thornton

This just in, the NHL has handed out a one game suspension to San Jose Sharks forward Joe Thornton for his headshot on Vegas Golden Knights forward Tomas Nosek.

San Jose’s Joe Thornton has been suspended for one game for an Illegal Check to the Head on Vegas’ Tomas Nosek. https://t.co/05ZmQEc7D6
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 15, 2019

Here’s the hit in question:

Well, we won't be seeing Joe Thornton in Game 4. Unquestionably getting suspended, question now is for how long.

Absolutely no place for this in hockey. pic.twitter.com/rYdpKsse7K
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) April 15, 2019

That’s… that’s ugly. Nosek is defenceless, doesn’t see the hit coming and Thornton drives his shoulder right through Nosek’s head. Jumbo will sit in the press box for at least one game and, given his play and the hole that the Sharks are now in, you have to seriously wonder if he’s played his final game in the NHL.

Immediately after last night’s game, Thornton tried his best to play dumb in the situation.

Regarding the Nosek hit, Joe Thornton says: “I think my son hits me like that six times a day. It was just a weird position he put himself in, that’s all.”

Gallant: “Definitely a high hit to the head. They’ll look at it and we’ll see what happens.”
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) April 15, 2019

C’mon Jumbo, you’re too smart and too good of a player to not know what you’re doing. Then again… Thornton is getting older, maybe his eyes are failing him? Well… that’s Ryan Reaves’ theory at least.

Check out what the Knights’ pugilist had to say about the hit after last night’s victory:

Oh, and Reaves has this on Thornton’s hit: “I’ve got a buddy with a grandpa who’s going through the same thing. He can’t see very well because he’s getting old. Needs glasses. If he gets suspended he’s going to have a hard time seeing from the press box” #VegasBorn
— Danny Webster (@DannyWebster21) April 15, 2019

Wow… throwing down the gauntlet by calling out Jumbo for his age? To be honest, I’m not sure that’s much of an insult. As much as a fan favourite as Reavo is, he’ll be extremely fortunate to be playing in the NHL at Thorton’s age.

In any case, who doesn’t love some playoff trash talk!? Keep it comin, Reavo.