Kessel leading the way for Pens

When Pittsburgh Penguins sniper Phil Kessel was dealt from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Pens in a blockbuster trade on July 1, 2015 there were some analysts who felt the Leafs did well by simply removing Kessel from their lineup, regardless of the return. Kessel was one-dimensional, selfish and lazy they said. Well, less than two years and one Stanley Cup later, Kessel is showing he’s more valuable than the Leafs ever gave him credit for.

Heading into tonight’s elimination game against the Ottawa Senators, Kessel ranks fourth in playoff scoring, behind only teammates Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf. Yet, you’d be hard pressed to find many who’d include Kessel with such elite company. We’re talking Hart Trophy nominees here…

A big criticism of Kessel in Toronto was that the speedy winger disappeared when his team needed him most. Yet, all he’s done in Pittsburgh is score big goals in big games. In 24 playoff games over two seasons, Kessel has 10 goals and 22 points, just one shy of Malkin’s over the same span. And, while it’s hard to argue with the contributions of Pens’ superstar Sidney Crosby, many felt that Phil Kessel was deserving of the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015-16 as the playoff MVP. 

But… that seems to be the way things go for Phil Kessel. He hears the criticism and just goes about his business, fanfare be damned.