Shawn Thornton’s Evolution as a Player

“I’m surprised every time I get a point,” Thornton joked earlier this season.

Other times the Bruins tough guy bristles at the perception that he can contribute only by dropping the gloves and slugging it out with rival enforcers. He was quick to point out last week that he often saw regular time on the power play while in the American Hockey League.

“Always in the minors,” Thornton said. “I’m not one-dimensional, bud.”