Image of the Week

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This week's image depicts Flyers goon Chris Pronger laying a healthy crosscheck on the back of Dustin Byfuglien (pronounced Buf-lin) of the Chicago Blackhawks. The matchup between the 6'6" Pronger and the 257 pound Byfuglien will prove pivotal, as the Chicago big man scored in all four games against San Jose by overpowering the Sharks' small defensemen. Byfuglien will have more difficulty imposing his will on Pronger, who, at age 35, is still considered one of the nastiest players in the game. As you can see, Pronger is not going to let Byfuglien clog the crease and tap in shots from five feet out as he was able to do against the Sharks.

Oddly enough, despite the obvious crosscheck in this week's image, Pronger and the Flyers did not receive a single penalty in Game 1. It is a very strange occurrence in the post-lockout NHL for any team, let alone the Broad Street Bullies, to go an entire game without being penalized. The guru understands that this is the playoffs, in particular the Stanley Cup Finals, but the referees need to regain control of the series before things get totally out of hand.

Tempers started to flare at the end of Game 2 when Pronger "stole" the game puck for the second consecutive night. Pronger's playoff nastiness is nothing new, but this is pretty childish. Playing in his third Stanley Cup Final, one would expect him to be content with his collection of mementos. Regardless, he has grabbed the puck at the conclusion of both games, despite losing both contests. When Ben Eager, who scored the game-winning goal approached in Game 2, approached him, Pronger gracelessly shot a towel at him, earning himself a 10 minute game misconduct penalty.

During his post-game interview, Pronger was asked about the encounter.

From CSN Philly

Where’s the puck, Pronger was asked.

“It’s in the garbage,” Pronger replied. “Where it belongs.”

You shot a towel at Eager when he complained?

“So what,” Pronger replied.

You’re collecting pucks now?

“Why not? What’s wrong? It’s sitting there. What else is gonna happen to it? It’s sitting there. Sure, why not. You got a problem with that?”

Are you gonna sell it on eBay?

“I don’t know. Apparently, it got him upset. So I guess it worked, didn’t it? It’s too bad. I guess little things amuse little minds.”

What a great guy. He is now free to resume his hacking of Byfuglien.