The country is jammed full of guys who were plenty skilled enough, but never played at this level.  That really isn't any kind of a reasonable argument.  I'm not sure that being fortunate enough to be traded to champions is any kind of proof to someones stock either.  Any of us that played at a fairly high level know a few who made it, and lots who coulda/shoulda.  Like every other occupation that results in promotion through multiple levels, there are a ton of subjectives along the way.

Personally, I find this topic as tiresome as "eharmony trade threads".  Whenever this guys name is mentioned, things derail.  It's anything but a given that someone else would be an upgrade.  There are scads of intangibles.  Unless someone figures the hockey ops people are buffoons, there's probably pretty solid logic as to why this guy is around.

I haven't been particularly impressed with Pandolfo. But that's just me.

In response to shuperman's comment:

MeanE,

I knew you were gonna go there.  To be blunt I'm wasn't anywhere near good enough to play in the NHL or AHL. I did play a very good brand and played in the CHL for a cup of coffee before my current job came.  I feel badly for guys I played with who desrevd a chance(Boyce who played at UNB is another good example).  Scott Cherry was everything you could want in a hockey player but bc he didnt fight he couldnt stick.  He's now a linesman in the NHL  Thats a guy I felt bad for.  Not me.  I just loved the game and went where it took me.  Murray has a bit better resume minus the cups then ST. 

You are correct on all accounts regarding his career which I pointed out.  But his hockey skill isnt better then the guys I played with, his skating isn't better (at all), his fighting certainly was.  He's a skating plug who has leadership qualities and is well liked.  Parros, BizNasty etc etc...all great guys and loved by team mates.  Loved! 
On a pure basis of hockey skill he is not very good and if he couldnt fight he would be selling insurance or whatever.  BUT, he made it doing what he knows best(fighting).
There are numerous guys in the NHL that dont deserve to be and most of them never see a minute of playoff action.  Westgarth for example last year. 
You used fighting twice.  And thats what he is good at.  And there is a place for that and always will be. 

I agree on the washed up part. 

Every team in every sport is made up of roles.  ST knows his role.  If he couldn't fight he would not be in the NHL.  That is a fact.  However, he does know how to fight.  It's not good enough in today's NHL to be a Goon.  You need to be able to do other things well.  Shawn obviously excels at being a leader.  Shawn also has enough skill that he has remained in the league for so long, where other fighters haven't.    If I recall correctly, Shawn started as a defenseman, wasn't effective and adapted.  I have played sports with guys that were very talented, but they didn't have inside of them what Shawn Thornton does.  That's why guys like Scott Cherry is a linesman and not a player.  

There might be more threads dedicated to Thornton than any of the other B's players combined.

In response to kelvana33's comment:

There might be more threads dedicated to Thornton than any of the other B's players combined.

and those are the ones Shupe will inflate with posts.

In response to kelvana33's comment:

There might be more threads dedicated to Thornton than any of the other B's players combined.

and those are the ones Shupe will inflate with posts.

In response to stevegm's comment:

The country is jammed full of guys who were plenty skilled enough, but never played at this level.  That really isn't any kind of a reasonable argument.  I'm not sure that being fortunate enough to be traded to champions is any kind of proof to someones stock either.  Any of us that played at a fairly high level know a few who made it, and lots who coulda/shoulda.  Like every other occupation that results in promotion through multiple levels, there are a ton of subjectives along the way.

Personally, I find this topic as tiresome as "eharmony trade threads".  Whenever this guys name is mentioned, things derail.  It's anything but a given that someone else would be an upgrade.  There are scads of intangibles.  Unless someone figures the hockey ops people are buffoons, there's probably pretty solid logic as to why this guy is around.

The Bruins were champions when he was traded to Boston?  The Ducks were champions before he got there?  What did I miss?  

                             "Really, MeanE?  I hadn't noticed."

Another one who's lost it. Thornton beat Rinaldo up, uh oh look out.

San this post was a shot at not a shot, I copied his boychuk post.  

Personally I really like the guy but I must admit -- didn't feel comfortable when CJ put him out there with the score 2-1 vs Pens tonight -- not entirely his fault but within 15 seconds -- score tied 2-2. Only (-1) for the night but under 10 min TOI.

Unless he's gooning it up, he serves no purpose.  But wait, he only fights with permission, so that serves no purpose either.  He's just an empty jersey.

In response to MeanE's comment:

San this post was a shot at not a shot, I copied his boychuk post.  

Sucks when you try to tell a joke and no one gets it, huh?

What a tool.

In response to Not-A-Shot's comment:

In response to MeanE's comment:

San this post was a shot at not a shot, I copied his boychuk post.  

Sucks when you try to tell a joke and no one gets it, huh?

What a tool.

You're so eloquent!  For the hundredth time, get over yourself BRO!

Let the record show that I didn't start this one.  In fact, I haven't started a thread dedicated to the clown this season!

I think OrrandShore needs to follow a different sport.

Fighting is a sport by and of itself. When you introduce it to another sport, then you dilute the primary sport.  And, again it is too  bad the NHL allows this sideshow mentality to exist.  Hockey is very physical and injuries are part of the game, but allowing  GOONS to injure players is no longer a sport.  
      And, if fighting is so good for other sports, maybe it is time to add it to the NFL, NBA and MLB.  Heck why stop there, let's add it to tennis, bowling and skiing!

In response to mxt's comment:

I think OrrandShore needs to follow a different sport.

Fighting is a sport by and of itself. When you introduce it to another sport, then you dilute the primary sport.  And, again it is too  bad the NHL allows this sideshow mentality to exist.  Hockey is very physical and injuries are part of the game, but allowing  GOONS to injure players is no longer a sport.  
      And, if fighting is so good for other sports, maybe it is time to add it to the NFL, NBA and MLB.  Heck why stop there, let's add it to tennis, bowling and skiing!

 And yet im pegged black spider man. 

Should you change your call name.  Eddie Shore was every thing you dislike about Thornton.  He had great skills for his time period but yikes....

In response to OrrandShore's comment:

WHy not  have Thornton (THE GOON) just fight the first five opposing players that line up against him and get it all over with. He's a loose cannon anyway, so what is the difference??? He went after a player that was handing out legal checks in the last game. And, don't forget, his only job is to hurt, maim and injure opposing players.  Which brings up the question once again---" is this hockey or roller derby"??"??

UNfortunately, the NHL rules allow this sideshow to continue, but it is time for Shanahan and the NHL to get a handle on this or it will remain a "friday night beer League".