Shawn Thornton: Savvy Veteran Shit Talker

Shawn Thornton gives Ryan Strome the business #whoareyou #NYIvsFLA pic.twitter.com/0JLPI0T76N

— Tony Notarianni (@TonyNotarianni) April 15, 2016

Just A+ work from Shawn Thornton here. You know your playing above the rim when you don't even have to speak during your trash talk to get a rise out of your opponent. Hey, now you know how Shawn Thornton - who is at his best known as a veteran leader and at his worst known as a goon - has managed to stay in the NHL for so long. By making the most of the tools at his disposal. Since his skill set rivals that of the drunk sitting alone at the end of the bar there is no better tool than longevity. Ryan Strome may end his career with more goals, assists, and accolades, but he's still just a nameless 22 year old to Shawn Thornton. Congrats on your offensive potential Ryan, but you still got another couple of years before the old guard acknowledges you as a person. Just nothing more insulting than getting hit with "do I even know you?" by one of your peers, especially when that peer only has 40 career goals in well over a decade. Shawn Thornton is basically the equivalent of the old guy at the office that doesn't really provide all that much anymore because he still hasn't figured out how to use a computer. Regardless, all he has to do is flash a young recruit the side eye that says "hey you! I don't know your name, and I know people like you are eventually going to take my job, but for now? I need coffee ASAP".