Thornton (suspension) has served his one-game ban and is eligible to play in Game 5 against Vegas on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton was lucky to get off with just a one-game suspension after making contact with the head of Tomas Nosek. Prior to his ban, Jumbo Joe was riding a six-game point streak in which he racked up one goal and six helpers. The veteran figures to slot back into the third-line center role for Game 5.

Thornton received a one-game suspension and will not play Tuesday in Vegas, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton drilled Tomas Nosek with an ugly check to the head in Game 3 and will have to face the consequences. He'll be eligible to return for Game 5 at home on Thursday.

Thornton will be subjected to a league hearing Monday for an Illegal Check to the head of Tomas Nosek in Sunday's Game 3 against Vegas.

EDGE Analysis

The hit occurred in the second period when Thornton appeared to blind-side check Nosek, and was only assessed a two-minute penalty for Illegal Check to the head. Thornton doesn't have a history of questionable hits or suspension, so that will certainly help his cause as to whether he gets handed a suspension or not. It wouldn't be surprising to see a suspension, given the league's intolerance of head hits, even if it occurred in the playoffs.

Thornton committed an illegal check to the head in the second period of Sunday's Game 3 loss to Las Vegas and could face a suspension, Kevin Kurz of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton for his part downplayed the hit, and Golden Knights coach Gerard Gallant talked it up, naturally. Aside from the hit, Thornton had an assist but no shots on goal in 14:33 of ice time.

Thornton registered an assist and five shots on goal in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Golden Knights in Game 1 of their best-of-seven series.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton has eight assists over his last nine games including Wednesday's performance, as he finished the regular season strong with 51 points in 73 appearances. Thornton will provide leadership and likely some depth scoring, both of which could be vital for the Sharks' chances at a deep playoff run. He's racked up 124 points in 161 playoff appearances in his career.

Thornton notched an assist in Thursday's 3-2 win over the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

At 39 years old, Thornton has put together a strong season even while skating 2:49 less than he did last year. Thornton has 50 points (16 goals, 34 helpers) in 72 games in the campaign, showing he still has elite playmaking abilities in his 21st season. As a bonus, Thornton has won over 52 percent of his faceoffs this year, the 15th straight year he's been a positive pivot at the dot.

Thornton plucked a pair of apples, one on the power-play, in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

The two assists give him 49 points in 71 contests this year. The Sharks may be interested in resting Thornton over the final two games of the year, but they may also want to give the veteran center a chance to reach 50 points. Additionally, Thornton tied Nicklas Lidstrom for 12th place on the all-time games played list with 1,564 appearances.

Thornton provided a power-play assist in Monday's 3-2 loss to the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't always a big deal for Thornton to hit 30 helpers, as he did so in 17 of his 20 previous seasons, but with his role reduced to the third line this year, it's an impressive milestone. Thornton is up to 46 points overall in 67 games, and could flirt with the 50-point mark for the first time since 2016-17 if he gets on a run near the end of the year.

Thornton potted a goal on three shots in Monday's 7-3 loss to the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton's goal briefly tied the game at 2 before Jonathan Marchessault scored 2:30 later to restore a lead Vegas would never surrender. Thornton has 16 goals and 44 points in 64 contests this year.

Thornton scored a goal on three shots in Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

March has treated the 39-year-old nicely, as he has two goals and five assists in eight games this month. Thornton is up to 43 points in 63 games this season, 11 of which have come on the power play. He's no longer a point-per-game threat, but the center has done well in a third-line role this season.