Kessel
 

One point out of first place, I would never have guessed. I thought he was done and dusted. Hope he takes first place and keeps it. Malkin has been a big help (haha)
and Syd too. Phil the net.

Why done?
He is only 30... Phil the net, I like that!

2nd from the top in scoring.
Of the top ten scorers, he has the 2nd worst +/- at -6. The worst of the top ten scorers is Syd at -9.

Fun facts for our resident Brad Marchand fan!

Don't get me wrong, I really like Kessel, but he's kind of a one trick pony,
not much of a defensive guy. Plus he always seems to be outa shape.

But I am a big fan of his. When he was in T.O., I was always yelling "give it (the puck) to Kessel, give it to Kessel". And P.S. I think Marchand is close to being the best in the league!

But can he do it in less than 12 parsecs?

He was not well liked here in Toronto and I never understood it.
By far the best Leaf at the time and people wanted him traded.

Phil cannot survive as the best player on a team, and certainly not in Canada. He cannot take the media scrutiny, the criticism during a goal drought, and the lack of any private life outside of the arena. He is socially awkward and not well suited to living in the limelight.

When he is behind Crosby and Malkin he can hide from the media and perform on the ice. He is a great player under the right circumstances, but not a 'captain'.

You are exactly right! Toronto was very tough on him and he couldn't handle it. Well
said.

Of course, he's light years ahead of everyone else.

I was not a fan, until his tweet about being left off Team USA.

He appears to have a pretty good sense of humor, and his teammates like him. Under the current regime he could be successful in Toronto, but he is better off in the USA.

I may be mistaken but from what I remember reading, Kessel didn't get along with other team mates. Was always the odd man out. He started to have value his last year with the Bruins and they took the opportunity to trade him. For some reason, he has found a home with Cindy and Mongo.
Sometimes even though the talent is there, the personalities don't mesh well together. Jagr did poorly with the Bruins in spite of being a super talented player.
As was already stated, Kessel seems to do better playing a supporting role than being the lead dog.

Thus sayeth the resident Marchand fan.

Kessel has been a gift since his arrival in PGH. The Toronto press was always on his azz for all of the Leafs' struggles(despite being the best player on the team). I can't think of any better payback then hoisting the Cup (twice) in the Black and Gold.(and he was robbed of the Smythe and this year not being named an All Star)

We love him in Pittsburgh(but not in the weird way some love Marhcand):D

More of the weird way you love Cindy Crosby. :D

I'll give you credit. You never miss a chance being an ass.

Yep, the media was tough on him.
The first year the pens won the cup, he came with the cup to Toronto and brought it to Sick Kids Hospital and spent part of the day with some of the kids and their families.
He wanted no media coverage, it was tweeted out the day after from hospital staff.

I thought it was a classy move.

But all the jokes directed at me are not asinine? For some reason the below slight was totally OK but my retort was not.
Maybe it was all fun and games until I insulted Cindy?

Who the hell said anything about joking? :(

I'm just funnin'

Now Kessel is 3 points out of first., thanks to Nikita Kruschev (he's from way back)

Aw you're just upset I still pick on your favorite

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1518230675.jpg

a bit different topic
 

Phaneuf traded to L.A. half way through last night's game against Pittsburgh. He played the first period then disappeared.