Yes the turkeys are ready for the big stage.
Now the first edition of the Stanley Cup Turkeys is upon us. The problem when you only have two teams left is that it becomes to actually choose the turkeys wisely. Let’s face it. The options are limited and turkeys can be heroes all in the same series before reverting back. It really is a crazy process. However, we trudge on as always because the gobblers want to get angry and feisty as they name names and throw players under the bus. That is what they do best after all. So as always there are three grand turkey winners and some dishonorable mentions.
Who did we name for this week? I think its time to find out. There may be a surprise or two.
These Three Turkeys
Braydon Coburn (D) — Philadelphia Flyers
Why? He really has not been all that good and was a -3 last night. So in three games, he has 1 assist and is a -6 with six shots despite seeing a ton of ice time. Now I am not one to do math but this generally does not add up. It gets pretty ugly after Pronger and Timonen. Matt Carle is okay but Coburn has been mostly down and only a little up throughout the season and playoffs. Some will beg to differ there but most Flyer fans are not all that happy with Coburn and I really cannot blame them. If Philadelphia wants to win this series, Coburn has to DO SOMETHING good.
Dustin Byfuglien (F) — Chicago Blackhawks
Well he actually has not been the force everyone expected him to be. Byfuglien has not gotten into the high traffic areas. The reality is now Chris Pronger has gotten under Byfuglien’s skin in the last game and a half. To add insult to injury, Big Buff is a -3 with only 1 point in the series and no goals. The Chicago PP has actually been more or less on life support all series. Though being 0-6 after three games is a bit strange and not indicative of everything. That being said, Dustin Byfuglien has to get into the crease and bang more. Circling around and looking for chances will not work and if he has to take a penalty here and there then so be it. You were paid to agitate and now do so…because if you do not, the Hawks may just go home tied at 2.
Dan Carcillo (F) — Philadelphia Flyers
To be fair he is a turkey for all seasons. He only has played in two of the games and really in his short amount of ice time seems to take more dumb penalties than old Devil favorite Bobby Holik. The bottom line is Carcillo occasionally forgets what realm of existence he is on. Apparently when he is on his meds, he is good to go. What those meds are is anyone’s guess? However most times he is more loose of a cannon than that nut from “Lethal Weapon”. That and now just to toss this out there. If I want an actress to play a role, I will take Danielle Carcillo. Sorry but that is just the reality. The old days of stupidity need to go and a little common sense to reign supreme.
Our Dishonorable Mentions……..
1. The refs again….that is two games this series where the officiating has just been not there.
2. Leighton and Niemi in Game 1 — not so good.
3. Hartnell trying to do the head shot and pretty much missing.
4. Paging Jeff Carter…still looking for you.
5. Hey Mike Richards….game 4 is tomorrow night…be great if you showed up.
Well it is time for the turkeys to say goodbye for now. Will next week be their finale? Stay tuned in order to find out. If you have any turkeys you want to nominate, put them in the comments section…and thanks.
