Thornton injured in Scott fight, being evaluated

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Shawn Thornton takes his duties as an enforcer for the Boston Bruins very seriously, so Thursdays anticipated tilt against the bigger, tougher Buffalo Sabres was no different.It was assumed that No. 22 would be addressing things with new Buffalo tough guy John Scott after the 6-foot-8, 260-pound Scott had voiced a desire to stop the bullying act that the Black and Gold had been pulling on the Sabres over the last couple of years.
So Thornton and Scott had a few words during the pre-game warm-up on the TD Garden ice and then dropped the gloves as soon as they were on the ice together for a face-off on their respective first shifts.
The 6-foot-2, 217-pound Thornton attempted to grab the monstrous Scott by the sweater and grapple with him in tight quarters as he did when facing Derek Boogaard several years ago, but Scott clocked Thornton in the head and face with a series of overhand right punches before the Bs tough guy finally dropped to the ice. Thornton looked wobbly on his legs as he headed to the penalty box afterward.
The Sabres behemoth said he was trying to send a message to a Bruins team that tormented his club last season, and his nights work was essentially over totaling only 4:28 of ice time for the game.
Going into this game there was a lot of hype around what happened last year, said Scott, referencing the LucicMiller collision. So I kind of just wanted to set the tone and say, Okay were here to play. It happened out that I came out on the fight.
Regardless of the outcome I just want to be there for my teammates and let them know Im here to fight, Ive got your back. Last years not going to happen like this year.
Both players retreated to the penalty box and then Thornton headed straight for the Bruins dressing room and did not return to the game. There was no update following the game about Thorntons condition.
Well know more tomorrow, said Claude Julien, who also added that Daniel Paille never returned to the game after taking a high-stick to the face in the third period. Hes being evaluated, until we get a definite answer there is nothing more.
It stands to reason that Thornton suffered an injury related to the punches the powerful Scott landed on the left winger, and his teammates appreciated the sacrifices he makes to protect the rest of them.
Hes been a great team guy here for the last six years, and he takes a lot of pride in what he does sticking up for himself and his teammates. Hes a great team guy, said Lucic.
Hes an important person to this hockey club. It was unfortunate that he missed the rest of the game after that, but knowing him... hes a tough guy and hell try to get back as soon as he can.
The Bruins hope that Thornton can return sooner rather than later, and should have more information on his condition Friday.

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