The point is that he will defend himself and not put up with that bullshit and cheapshots against him. It started with the crosscheck into the boards against Thornton that was LONG overdue, and ended with Toews dropping the gloves against him. The captain represents the team, and when your captain does that, it sends a message that the TEAM won't tolerate those cheapshots, and will respond. I thought that was the turning point of the game, even if the Hawks were short for four minutes.
And Thornton will laugh it off as he has done his entire career when guys come after him for "revenge". It's Joe Thornton he doesn't take "points". I love Toews..hes my fav player in the game and Im proud that he has a take no shit attitude and is all serious as he is. No one wears the C better than him in the league. This team doesn't and never has had to have Toews drop the gloves to inspire them or to send a point so I don't buy into that philosophy. Not tonight.
I don't care about the penalty minutes...I don't care about any of that stuff. I care about a guy who is vital to this team staying healthy and not suffering another head injury that could put him out for a long duration. Concussions aren't like the flu bug strain..once you have it it goes away forever. If anyone believes that Joe didn't let up on JT then they are fooling themselves. Thornton could have destroyed Toews in that fight if he wanted to. Thats reality. Joe could have easily made a point also but he didn't. I doubt Thornton is sitting in the locker room after the game going "Guess I should never hit that guy again he might try to fight me again". And again this team has never needed Toews to drop the gloves to prove that he is a leader and cares about winning. Thats nonsense.
As for the turning point? Hawks were dominating a 0-0 game before that little fake fight..felt to me as if the Hawks weren't in need of any energy boosts or momentum help. There was no point to turn on..the Hawks were already looking good.
I really think it had nothing to do with the team and everything to do with Toews own emotions and history with Thornton. Leaving it at that I understand and can accept it as an emotional reaction that was built up (still wish he wouldn't put his health on the line but I understand breaking points also). Bringing the "team rally" stuff into it? Not buying it. Seemed done for personal reasons more than team reasons. Just being honest. Toews is a great captain but he can also do risky things like any other captain or player that I personally wish they didn't do. Compete levels can do that I understand. Just don't buy into the thought that he was thinking about the team.