You knew the turkeys were fighting mad this week. The playoffs were here and its the second season for them too. They expect better performances (especially from the goalies) and they have been quite cranky the past few days. I even heard a rumor that they were trying to emulate Carey Price last night. Though none of the turkeys have perfected “the chop” yet, it makes you wonder when they will do so.
The question is who are these week’s turkeys? Honestly there is very little surprise here. The turkeys always make sure to be flamboyant with their picks as well as why. It always is the why for the fantasy hockey player, isn’t it? Well that is very understandable. So what better time for those turkeys than today. It is Earth Day after all.
These Three Turkeys
Roberto Luongo (G) — Vancouver Canucks
His series may be at 2 but the reality is that it is not because of Mister Luongo. He gave up eight goals while suntanning in Los Angeles and was fortunate his team scored 4 times in the third period last night to even said series. Sure he did make a few outstanding saves but consistency is the name of the game in the playoffs and Luongo really has never had that going for him so far in his career. The 3.40 GAA and ..871 save percentage include getting yanked in Game 3 and does not include the number of wide open chances the Kings have missed in this series. Can Luongo correct this? Sure. He did play better albeit still a bit shaky in Vancouver but its doable.
Brian Elliott (G) — Ottawa Senators
I could list 8 goalies if I really wanted to but we are going with the one position you need solid play from to advance (usually) in the playoffs. That 4.14 GAA and .853 save percentage has me screaming for the exits. Really Game 2 was the only solid game Elliott had and he lost. It got so ugly in Game 4 that Pascal Leclaire had to be brought in and there is talk that Leclaire will be the starter in Game 5. The reason why Ottawa could have stayed in the series was offense and consistent goaltending. The consistency went out the window as soon as the playoffs started. Not only were the turkeys disappointed but the reality is they are still fighting over who is the worst in net.
Carey Price (G) — Montreal Canadiens
You almost had to sense this one was coming. The turkeys were in shock that not only did Carey Price implode in the third period from a goaltending standpoint but then his emotions went haywire as he took not one but two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. One is unusual for a goalie to take but two? I cannot even remember the last time a goalie took two of those in a period. He will likely get a golden turkey from the boys. The near 4.00 GAA but close to .900 save percentage is not so bad but it is how he gives up his goals and how he acts after them that gets him elevated to such a high or low status depending on your philosophy of turkey hierarchy. Hopefully he will find greener pastures than Montreal in the offseason.
Time for those dishonorable mentions…..
1. Martin Brodeur’s beard — thank god its gone.
2. The mooring that Luongo may have pulled off last night.
3. Flyers and their foot problems
4. All those Vancouver conspiracy theories….
5. Antti Niemi playing in his crease practically…….
Okay comment away….are there any turkeys you would have liked to have seen?
