Sharks' Kane: Mocking Thornton shows Reaves' lack of 'hockey IQ'

San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane doesn't think Ryan Reaves has any business mocking 21-year veteran Joe Thornton.

Kane came to his teammate's defense Tuesday, firing back at Reaves for the Vegas Golden Knights enforcer's jokes targeting Thornton's age and subsequent waning vision.

"To chirp Jumbo's vision, a guy who has over 1,000 assists, that doesn't seem too bright," Kane said according to The Athletic's Kevin Kurz. "One of the best passers and best guys with vision on the ice to ever play the game. Just shows a lot about his hockey knowledge and hockey IQ. Clearly, it's lacking."

Thornton ranks eighth on the NHL's all-time assists list with 1,065 helpers and has put together a Hall of Fame career.

Kane and Reaves exchanged blows with two minutes to play in Game 3, a 6-3 Vegas victory. After defending his teammate, the Sharks' pesky winger turned to his own personal feud with Reaves.

"For the so-called toughest guy in the league, I don't know if he landed a punch," Kane said, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Adam HIll. "At times I thought I was fighting the Muffin Man. Didn't expect that, I expected more of a battle."

Kane took a shot at Reaves' on-ice ability as well, belittling his fourth-line status.

"For a guy who plays three-and-a-half minutes a night, he sure does a lot of talking," Kane said. "I think he thinks it's the WWE. He's probably going to end up there pretty soon with the way his game looks. Another year left on his deal. I'm sure Vince McMahon will be giving him a call pretty soon."

The Golden Knights hold a 2-1 advantage in the opening-round series and will look to push the Sharks to the brink with a victory at home in Game 4 on Tuesday night.