DETROIT -- Joe Thornton continued his excellence during the postseason Wednesday night, registering three assists -- including one on Devin Setoguchi's winner in overtime -- during the San Jose Sharks' 4-3 victory against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena.
Thornton set up all three of Setoguchi's goals during Game 3 of this Western Conference Semifinal series. The Sharks can eliminate the Red Wings for a second year in a row with a victory in Friday's Game 4.
Thornton has 2 goals and 7 assists in 9 games during the playoffs, leaving him just three points short of his career-high of 12 that he had last season.
Following the game, Thornton talked with the media:
Q: How did Setoguchi's winner come to happen?
A: He kind of had the hot hand all night. Just give it to him and he did the rest of the work. I think he surprised Jimmy Howard with the quick shot.
Q: How is this team been so successful in overtime (5-0) during this postseason?
A: I really don't know. We're just very, very comfortable. Our locker room is really calm and we just take some deep breaths. We have so many gifted players that can win the game at any time. We're just very lucky to get into overtime tonight. But when we do, we're perfect so far.
Q: Going after Montreal's record (10 overtime wins)?
A: Halfway there. If we get five more overtime wins, that would be something special.
Q: Did you get a sense that you took their best shot tonight?
A: They played well. Early on, they played real well and outshot us there for a little bit. Their power play was very, very good tonight. We knew they were going to come out and play strong, and they did. They're a very tough team to beat here in Detroit. We were fortunate tonight to win.
Q: How uncanny is it that a year ago in Game 3 against the Red Wings, you set up the OT winner for Patrick Marleau and were down in the third period as well?
A: All the same scenarios. It's weird. It's very, very bizarre. For it to happen again this year, it's strange. What can I say?
Q: Is this team more comfortable when down a goal in the third period in the playoffs than it was in the past?
A: Maybe. I think with the depth up front, we're more comfortable late in games when you're down one goal because we feel like we can get it any time. So yeah, I think we're a little more comfortable.
Q: Will Game 4 see Detroit bring even more pressure for you guys?
A: Absolutely. They're a proud, proud group over there. They're going to fight you. They don't want to get swept. We got to be ready for them.
Follow Dave Lozo on Twitter: @DaveLozo