Thornton isn't sitting

He likely won't but I sure hope he does.

No way, he brings a lot more to the table that most people realize. Makes a lot of good little plays with the puck is big and helps cycle. He relies on others to get points in that he needs shooters to play with and if he doesn't have any it sort of just possession without anything else. Which really isn't a bad thing. He also goes to the net better than a lot of the guys most fans like more. (Mikheyev, Engvall, Kerfoot). On top of that his leadership and presence is very important. I don't think it's really all that surprising to see the sense of urgency a lot higher when he's in the lineup. He wants to win so badly and knows this is likely his last chance. That is invaluable. One thing you can say about this team is at times they just haven't had that same urgency. So no, Thornton should not be sat, especially not for a guy who's never played a game for TO, offers no offence and hasn't learned the system (Nash). Too many on here think the NHL is a video game and players can be inserted without any problems. TO plays a very different system than Columbus, expecting Nash or Foligno to come in and be seamless is asking a lot. Foligno can start on the wing with JT and Willy at least to get accustomed to his assignments in the different system. I think he may end up moving to the 3rd line eventually to play centre but it'll all depend on how he takes to the system. I do wonder how best to set up the roster though. Engvall can play centre in the system but is the likely guy to come out. However, I don't like the idea of Spezza centring the 4th line unless he has someone else with speed. That is assuming Kerfoot is 3C with Hyman and Mikheyev. Gally with M&M and Foligno with JT and Willy. That would leave Simmonds with Spezza and Thornton which I don't really like the idea of. Perhaps change Simmonds to 3rd line with Hyman and Kerfoot and have Mikheyev to play with Thornton and Spezza to give them some speed. I trust Keefe to figure it all out.

Do you watch the games? I watch every game and I have a lot of respect for him but he's too slow. I think he will get to play but cycled in and out of the 4th line. He makes a lot of bad plays as well. Blind behind the back passes. I think the dark horse pick up here is Riley Nash. Playoff grit with him, Foligno, Simmonds and a healthy Hyman. The system changes in the playoffs. Those guys will be valuable when it matters and the other team is looking over their shoulder to see where they are, IMO