Shawn Thornton, Heart of the Bruins

A few weeks ago, head coach Claude Julien was under siege. Despite denials from management, there was an ill wind blowing against the coach. Even Bruins president Cam Neely could only half-heartedly support the direction of the team.

But since then, there has been a metamorphosis. From tenuous to assertive, from reticent to aggressive, the Bruins have become an entirely different team. A team that seems to have bonded, a dangerous proposition for others come playoff time. So how did this happen?

I blame it on Shawn Thornton!