Shawn Thornton gives Ryan Strome the business #whoareyou #NYIvsFLA pic.twitter.com/0JLPI0T76N
— Tony Notarianni (@TonyNotarianni) April 15, 2016
Florida Panthers veteran forward Shawn Thornton has a history of being an excellent trash-talker at the NHL level. The enforcer has earned his reputation as a tough guy and fearsome fighter, so he’s allowed to get away with chirps more than most.
The 38-year-old Thornton took advantage of that freedom during the Panthers’ Game 1 matchup against the New York Islanders on Thursday night, relentlessly trash talking Isles players all night. Early on, it was Cal Clutterbuck — another veteran tough guy — exchanging words with Thornton prior to intermission.
Elite trash talking going on here pic.twitter.com/SKDwIjqFpm
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 15, 2016
But late in the game Thornton turned his attention to youngster Ryan Strome during a scrum in front of the Islanders net. The 22-year-old Ryan Strome seemed a bit confused why Thornton was so interested in him, but then it became clear — Thornton was giving him the ol’ “who are you?” routine. As you’d imagine, Strome wasn’t pleased, and he responded by giving Thorty a shove. Despite this Thornton seemed very satisfied with his troll job.
https://twitter.com/pattitudez/status/720803158008729600/photo/1
Unfortunately, Strome — who scored a goal in the game — would get the last laugh with his Islanders teammates, as they took the 1-0 series lead with a 5-4 victory.
Quine’s sick move makes Ryan Strome’s goal possible pic.twitter.com/2rJfoYrL36
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 15, 2016