Big K's Christmas 2018 "Lump of Coal" Awards (Eastern Conference)

Well, Christmas is just around the corner, and I thought I would do something special. A little "gift" to all those NHL Hockey players out their. However, this is not a gift you want to receive! The "Lump of Coal" Award is given to a player from each NHL team, that has really done nothing to help their team. A player that has disappointed, or has not stepped up in the role given to them. So sit back, enjoy, and Ho Ho Ho all the way to the penalty box for all these naughty players.. Today we will look at the Eastern Conference.

Let's start in the Atlantic Division:

1) Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Ristolainen (Defense)

-You can make an arguement that this award could go to the whole team, but Ristolainen does stand out of the crowd. 9 points in 25 games, no goals, -13 plus/minus. He plays an average of 26:49 minutes per game. So he is on the ice alot, but has looked lost out their. This is a player that can put up 40 to 50 points, and looked to be a pillar on the Sabres D. Is this Tyler Myers 2.0?

2) Ottawa Senators: Matt Duchene (Forward)

- Early in the season, when the Senators traded for Duchene, it seemed like the deal that would ensure the Senators would be contenders. Heck, I thought it was a brillant move on their part. However, Duchene has been sucking eggs since getting in Ottawa. 5 points in 18 games, and a -8. Worse is that Ottawa has only won 5 games since trading for Duchene. Ouch!

3) Florida Panthers: Roberto Luongo & James Reimer (Goalies)

- The Panthers get a double dose of coal, as neither of these netminders are getting it done. A combine 3.11 GAA with only one shutout, and 13 wins through 34 games. Luongo has shown his age, and Reimer is showing he is not a NHL starter, and a mediocre backup. This is not good news for the Panthers.

4) Detroit Red Wings: Petr Mrazek & Jimmy Howard (Goalies)

-Yes, another goaltender tandem that is not getting it done. Both Howard and Mrazek have looked brutal this season. A combined GAA of 3.07 and a SV% of .903. The Red Wings actually have a good team, but these two goalies are preventing them from being competitive.

5) Montreal Canadiens: Max Pacioretty (Forward)

-He is one of the worst captains in the league, and his glaring faults are in full display this year. He doesn't go to the net, and apparently can't score unless he has someone to set him up. His 8 goals and 20 points have him on pace to have one of his worst seasons ever.

6) Boston Bruins: Tuukka Rask (Goalie)

-Rask is off to his worst start of the season. He stats are not too bad. (GAA: 2,42 SV%.912) but he only has 8 wins in 20 games. He is not getting it done, when the Bruins need him most.

7) Toronto Maple Leafs: Tyler Bozak (Forward)

-It was really hard to find a recipient of this award for the Leafs, as they are having a terrific season. However, Tyler Bozak seems to be one of the more overrated players on the team. His 19 points in 35 games are not bad, but it is a step back from previous seasons. He appears to be on more of a decline, and past his prime.

8) Tampa Bay Lightning: Ryan Callahan (Forward)

- Callahan was a perrenial 50 point-man before coming to the Bolts. However, now it seems he is only viable for around 20 points. He has currently 6 points through 29 games, and is on pace for his worst statistical season ever. Ok, yes, he has a different role in Tampa, but still. This player is a shadow of his former self.

Now let's look at the Metropolitan Divison:

1) Philadelphia Flyers: Scott Laughton (Forward)

- Laughton had a promising future with the Flyers, and I thought he would shine with the team. However he has been a complete and utter disappointment. He has 10 points through 34 games, and looks to be another 1st Round bust. Quit the shame, as I really like him as a player.

2) Carolina Panthers: Elias Lindholm (Forward)

-There are many candidates on this team, but I will have go with Elias. He has never lived up to the expectations he garned at a young age. His stats are not back (9 goals and 18 points through 33 games) However, he is not the "special" players so many people thought he would be.

3) Pittsburgh Penguins: Carl Hagelin (Forward)

- The poster child for a one dimensional player. His 2 goals and 6 points in 34 games are the defintion of being "enigmatic". At 4 Million $$$ per year, he is one of the most over paid players in the league

4) New York Islander: Brock Nelson (Forward)

- Brock seems be a consistent 40 points man, but he has taken a back seat this season. He is averaging the same amount of ice time as last year but has only put up 12 points in 34 games. The only real disappointment on a solid Isles team.

5) New York Rangers; Marc Staal (Defense)

-Staal's best days are definitely behind him. He has never been a player that puts up alot of points. However 1 goal and 6 points through 34 games is mediocre. Especially considering he is making 5.7 Million per season! Ayoye!!!

6) Columbus Blue Jackets: Jack Johnson (Defense)

-Johnson is no longer a 40 points season player, he might not even be a 20 point season player. His 7 points in 35 games is cringe worthy. Especially considering he is playing around 19 minutes a game, and making 4.3 Million per season.

7) New Jersey Devils: Pavel Zacha (Forward)

-Their is no denying that the Devils are the surprise team of the year, so far... It's tough to find a worthy candiate here, but I will go with Zacha. This former 1st, 6th overall pick has not shown the talent, that many thought he had. His 9 points in 26 games has him being a potential bust. He is stiill young, so he could turn things around, but his future with the Devils is in jeopardy.

8) Washington Capitals: Brooks Orpik (Defense)

-So this is what 5.5 Million a year gets you? 5 points, 0 goals and a -2 in 35 games??? The Capitals are one of the best teams in the league, and it is not due to the play of Orpik. He get's the lumpiest of coals from me....

So there you have it, lot's of coal give out so far. Tomorrow we will look at the Western Conference, where plenty more of awards will be given out.