Red Light District Hockey: Top 5 Turkeys of 2010

Top 5 Turkeys of 2010

Posted by Ryan Porth Labels: Top 5, Turkey Time

It’s that time of year again – Thanksgiving! Every year there are plays that make you say ‘What the ----’; or incidents that are incredibly embarrassing. Last year’s Turkey of the Year were the refs who blew the goal-call in Detroit. Who were the turkeys from 2010? Here’s our top five…

1. New York Islanders franchise
I think it’s pretty safe to say that the Islanders established themselves as the worst franchise in the NHL in this last year. Aside from the on-ice performance, the Isles have fired their coach, banned their best media member, and still have not gained any ground in the Lighthouse Project. Everyone from owner Charles Wang on down should be embarrassed with how this organization has been run recently.

2. Rick Rypien (and the fan)
Not only does Rypien get the nod for his bullish behavior, but so does the fan that pursued legal action for being ‘assaulted’. It was an unfortunate incident that saw Rypien get suspended for six games and the Wild fan get his 15 minutes of fame.

3. Ilya Kovalchuk and the Devils
Ever since the Devils acquired Kovalchuk last winter, the Devils just have not been the same. Aside from all of the contract mess that lasted all summer, the team has yet to win more than two games in a row with Kovy in the lineup. After paying Kovy $100 million over 15 years, the Russian has 10 points in 21 games with a minus-10 rating. This whole situation has been a disaster for New Jersey.

4. Dan Boyle
The video should speak for itself…

5. Boston Bruins’ collapse
Claude Julien and company became the first team since 1975 to blow a 3-0 series lead when they watched Philadelphia complete the comeback. Not only did they choke away a 3-0 series lead, but they also held a 3-0 lead in the first period of Game 7… only to see it disappear.