Things to know: Joe Thornton reaches another milestone with Sharks

SAN JOSE — Another day at the rink, another remarkable milestone in Sharks territory.

After witnessing the franchise’s 1,000th win (Jan. 10), Brent Burns’ 1,000th game (Dec. 27), Joe Thornton’s 1,500th game (Nov. 8) and the alternate captain’s 400th goal (Nov. 13), Sharks fans will be treated to another rare feat at SAP Center Tuesday. Thornton will suit up for his 1,000th game with the Sharks, joining Patrick Marleau on the list of players who’ve made it that far in a teal jersey when his team takes on the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 2016 Stanley Cup Final rematch.

“I’ve played here a long time and I appreciate it,” Thornton said. “Ownership gives us a chance to win every year. We’re never rebuilding. It’s full go every year, and as a player, it’s attractive to stay here and try to win every year.”

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Game No. 1,000 in teal isn’t the only significant number on Thornton’s radar right now. With six more points, he’ll record his 1,000th with the Sharks. With two more points after that, he’ll tie Teemu Selanne for 15th place on the NHL’s all-time scoring list (1,457). Six more assists will put him in a tie with Gordie Howe for ninth place on the all-time assists lists (1,042).

Thornton’s achievements might mean more to his linemate Marcus Sorensen, who’s receiving a front-row seat to hockey history this season.

“It is special,” Sorensen said. “I was there when he played his 1,500th game. I was able to pass it to him for his 400th goal. I’m going to keep those memories for my whole life.”

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In head coach Pete DeBoer’s eyes, Thornton’s lasting impact on Sharks hockey is the culture he’s established in the team’s dressing room during his 13 years with the franchise. The Sharks reputation for being a fun-loving, hard-working team traces back to No. 19.

“That culture is based around his personality,” the Sharks coach said. “We’re going to have fun, but we’re going to put in an honest days work. That’s what he’s all about.”

2. Speaking of 1,000 games in teal, Sorensen just needs to suit up for 902 more games with the Sharks to hit that mark.

“That’s a long way to go,” Sorensen joked.

He took a baby step toward reaching that goal Monday, signing a two-year extension with the Sharks worth $1.5 million per year.

The extension is particularly gratifying in view of the road that Sorensen took to earn it. After signing with the Sharks as a European free agent out of the Swedish Hockey League in 2016, Sorensen entered his first training camp with the expectation that he’d follow in the footsteps of Melker Karlsson and Joonas Donskoi and make an immediate splash in the NHL.

Instead, Sorensen spent most of the year with the AHL Barracuda, suiting up for just 19 games with the Sharks. After a disappointing showing in the AHL playoffs that spring, Sorensen opened the 2017-18 season in the minors, raising questions about his prospects of landing a full-time job at the NHL level.

“Obviously, you’re an opportunity away, but still, when your game’s not there, you’re always thinking,” Sorensen said.

But Sorensen emerged last year as a fourth line scoring threat and he’s parlayed the opportunity into becoming a constant fixture on Thornton’s left side this season. With eight goals and 15 points in 47 games, Sorensen made Doug Wilson’s decision to re-sign him about as easy as a tap-in goal.

“It’s always nice to sign a new contract. That’s what you’re working for the whole summer,” Sorensen said. “I love this place. I love the Bay Area and I love this organization.”

3. The Sharks caught a break Monday when Joonas Donskoi skated for an hour at practice, exerting himself physically without displaying concussion symptoms afterward.

Donskoi missed the last two periods of Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Ottawa Senators after he suffered an apparent concussion in a collision with Mark Borowiecki. The Finnish forward will suit up for the Sharks bout with the Penguins Tuesday unless he experiences a last-minute setback.

“It’s always very stressful when you have to leave a game. You don’t know how it’s going to go,” Donskoi said. “But it looks good now. Not too serious.”

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Sharks reach agreement with depth centerman on two-year deal That’s great news for the Sharks. Donskoi has scored eight goals in his last eight games, and his line, which also features Tomas Hertl and Evander Kane, is at the center of the Sharks six-game winning streak. The trio has combined to record 29 points in the Sharks last eight games.

Though Donskoi is expected to play, Marc-Edouard Vlasic will miss his sixth straight game with an apparent wrist injury. Erik Karlsson missed the Sharks morning practice Tuesday for maintenance purposes, but he will play against the Penguins in the evening.

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