81 over the past 3: 0 points, minus 3, 12 shots. Who dat, number 55 or something?
Phil, you're the star... the focal point... the "go-to guy".
The Leafs are in need of someone special to help get them over the hump, someone Phil Kessel was acquired to be. Never mind his goals per, it's really about goals when... for Kessel. He did nothing against Boston, nothing against Buffalo, so when??? When will his brilliance be effective? It's games like Monday's against the Sabres the Leafs need most, for morale and to keep up with the divisional Jones'... and really it's on "the star" like Kessel for not contributing. The rest of the team kept itself in the game long enough for that "special someone" to help it rise beyond. But again they, we are left without. Yeah yeah, 3 of 4 points is nice... but this team has to be better, something it won't be unless Kessel ultimately shakes Hansel and comes to terms with being the effin' guy. You ain't in Boston anymore, Phil. You're in Toronto. You're paid like it. Play like it.
Tip o' da hat to da greatest, Martin Brodeur... and of course, Ryan Miller who has the Leafs twisted up in knots.
/A\ Sports Top 10 Beginning December 28th
Showing posts with label Phil Kessel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phil Kessel. Show all posts
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
The defence doesn't rest
Exelby, Finger... and especially Komisarek were mighty impressive against the Sens. I'm enjoying watching Komisarek coming into his own as a Leaf. This is what we bargained for. Nice to have these guys step up in the absence (at least mentally) of Tomas Kaberle. 6, 7 points out of 8 would be a tremendous week for Da Buds. So, 2 down... just too bad they couldn't have jumped over anyone in the standings. Yeah, in that tight, no 2 point jump is real or lasting. But having been in the basement so bloody long the optics of any move up count for something. Hey, these wins are nice, but tomorrow's even nicer.
And isn't Phil Inkessable????!!!!
London Top 10 coming
And isn't Phil Inkessable????!!!!
London Top 10 coming
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Kessel Konundrum
How long until Phil Kessel becomes publicly frustrated with the lack of talent surrounding him? Christmas? Earlier? On several occasions during Tuesday's game in Ottawa he either set-up a would-be goal or was waiting to be set-up, only to have his line mates miss step or completely miss. It's not their fault. It's no one's fault. But it's glaringly obvious Kessel's skills are a notch, even two or three above the rest. His speed is alienating. His anticipation is intimidating. His offensive game is awesome. Perhaps too awesome, for a bunch of guys who are having trouble keeping up. For the Leafs to rise from the depths, Kessel needs peers not passengers.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Not good enough, again
...but the Leafs had plenty of chances, you knew something would happen the other way if they couldn't deliver...and it did. Hey, Phil. Welcome to the Blue and White. It gets harder as a Maple Leaf, not easier.
1-for-8 with the man advantage isn't good enough for one of the NHL's "best" pp's. It should have produced more. Would've won the game that way. Considering the heart displayed and effort produced, it appears this team isn't that far off from seriously competing for a (better) result. But to get out of the basement, it's gotta happen soon. I think another adjustment to the line-up is in order.
So, points in a 5 straight games. Okay, not bad, but not great either. It still has to stop playing like the reaper is lurking. It has to be more assertive, if that's even possible...with this group?
Kessel is a gamer, he's lethal, a seriously gifted sniper. His accuracy and decision making were abit off in his debut, but signs of an incredibly effective player are there. I'm encouraged by the amount of shots he unloaded, most of them quality. In time, most of those snipes won't end up in the goaltender's chest, but in open spots of the net. Right now its up to the genius, BB to pair Kessel with a facilitator. Yeah, Marc Savard joins this team, but not until the off-season. So that doesn't do much for this season, now does it? Well, unless some adjustments are made.
As for Jonas Gustavsson...there's not much that needs to be said. If you don't think he's going to be a superstar goaltender in this league, you're either too jaded, blind or completely hate anything that wears the beautiful Blue and White. Sure, he can learn how to handle that puck a bit better, but there's way more upside to this guy than down.
Quote o' da day...courtesy of Billy Agua: "that's the future, there's two" referencing Phil Kessel and Jonas Gustavsson, two studs.
1-for-8 with the man advantage isn't good enough for one of the NHL's "best" pp's. It should have produced more. Would've won the game that way. Considering the heart displayed and effort produced, it appears this team isn't that far off from seriously competing for a (better) result. But to get out of the basement, it's gotta happen soon. I think another adjustment to the line-up is in order.
So, points in a 5 straight games. Okay, not bad, but not great either. It still has to stop playing like the reaper is lurking. It has to be more assertive, if that's even possible...with this group?
Kessel is a gamer, he's lethal, a seriously gifted sniper. His accuracy and decision making were abit off in his debut, but signs of an incredibly effective player are there. I'm encouraged by the amount of shots he unloaded, most of them quality. In time, most of those snipes won't end up in the goaltender's chest, but in open spots of the net. Right now its up to the genius, BB to pair Kessel with a facilitator. Yeah, Marc Savard joins this team, but not until the off-season. So that doesn't do much for this season, now does it? Well, unless some adjustments are made.
As for Jonas Gustavsson...there's not much that needs to be said. If you don't think he's going to be a superstar goaltender in this league, you're either too jaded, blind or completely hate anything that wears the beautiful Blue and White. Sure, he can learn how to handle that puck a bit better, but there's way more upside to this guy than down.
Quote o' da day...courtesy of Billy Agua: "that's the future, there's two" referencing Phil Kessel and Jonas Gustavsson, two studs.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Message from a friend
I'm jumpin ship. 33 years Norm! I can't take anymore. I've had it. The deal for Kessel was the final straw. We're destined to finish worst overall this year and while we have an amazing shot at #1 in the draft it won't matter. Boston gets the pick! Next years too! I'm done! This team is a joke!
- "Former" Leafs fan
He's had it. Can you blame him? This team has people all twisted up. Anyway the rest of Leafsnation soliders on.
Kaptain Kaberle?
1st - Defenceman Scoring
T10th - Overall Scoring
2nd in Assists
6th in Points Per Game
Oh, and in his postgame interview in Montreal he demonstrated a real connection with the media for the first time in a while. Maybe ever. It's not as though his English is that much better, it's just that there's a real confidence to him right now. Slapping the "C" on his sweater might disrupt his great play. Maybe his great play is begging for the opportunity? Either way, Kaberle appears to be the new leader of this team. "C" or not, the Leafs need their best player to continue to be that. Well, if Phil Kessel turns out just a bit better you won't hear me complaining.
- "Former" Leafs fan
He's had it. Can you blame him? This team has people all twisted up. Anyway the rest of Leafsnation soliders on.
Kaptain Kaberle?
1st - Defenceman Scoring
T10th - Overall Scoring
2nd in Assists
6th in Points Per Game
Oh, and in his postgame interview in Montreal he demonstrated a real connection with the media for the first time in a while. Maybe ever. It's not as though his English is that much better, it's just that there's a real confidence to him right now. Slapping the "C" on his sweater might disrupt his great play. Maybe his great play is begging for the opportunity? Either way, Kaberle appears to be the new leader of this team. "C" or not, the Leafs need their best player to continue to be that. Well, if Phil Kessel turns out just a bit better you won't hear me complaining.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Hockey notes
Daniel Erlich opens the scoring on the Knights OHL season. It was a winning opener, 4-2 over the Spitfires. Poor Josh Unice. He looked yuck. Anyway, of all the recent Hunter player moves the signing of Dany is my favourite. It's so great to see a guy of his stature and heart live a dream. Making the OHL is a big deal. Being a star in this league is a bigger one. Before he passes on his Knights jersey I believe Daniel Erlich will have accomplished both.
Congrats to Michael Houser. He's a back-up keeper who should keep Friday's experience at JLC close to his heart for the rest of his life. Houser got the call to start against the Spits, and won. He stopped 42 shots for his first OHL victory in his first OHL game. We did a piece on him on the TV side of things. He's a class kid and says he doesn't mind playing the support role. Hope he's serious about that. The Hunter's are going to play the crap out of Michael Hutchinson who's just returned from Bruins camp. And that's not entirely a bad thing. Hey, they paid a steep price to get him and don't like not getting a return on their investment. Just ask those associated with the Eurocan Cup.
Yikes! Two 1st's and a 2nd for a guy with a bum shoulder? Well, it's not exactly that. Phil Kessel is a super talent with youth and even more upside. Yeah, he's recovering from surgery, but I doubt for a second Brian Burke makes that deal if he feels he's getting a lemon. At 21, Kessel's essentially a 'didn't miss' first rounder dealt for picks that may or may not turn out. The gamble is part of the fun for BB, especially with those high valued blue and white chips. So much for that rebuild idea pushed along by the media. It's no rebuild, but the retooling is in high gear with the aim of getting the Leafs into the playoffs next Spring, then deep into them a year later. Wonder if there'll be any money left in the kitty for that sniper out of Atlanta? If BB really wants to impress, he should be shaping a roster for the eventual topping off with the cherry that could be Ilya Kovalchuk. The defence appears built. Kessel this year. Kovalchuk next. The offence could be next. To this point though I do like what Burke has done. I especially pleased with the signing Tyler Bozak. I think he's ready, to play in the NHL, to have an impact.
James Reimer, looking solid between the pipes this camp. He'll share time with Joey MacDonald in the "A". Well, when MacDonald isn't backing up whichever of the Fin/Swede combo isn't injured that week.
And I'm quietly rooting for Jason Allison to make the Leafs. I know it's a long shot, but I'm intrigued by his. He's been out of the game over 1,200 days, yet there he is, back on the ice with a bunch of guys who are more talented and much faster than those he last played with 3 seasons ago. Hey, 2 points for "Alli" on Friday night. Say what you will about the portable refrigerator he skates around with on his back, the ex-Knight still has a set of soft hands.
Congrats to Michael Houser. He's a back-up keeper who should keep Friday's experience at JLC close to his heart for the rest of his life. Houser got the call to start against the Spits, and won. He stopped 42 shots for his first OHL victory in his first OHL game. We did a piece on him on the TV side of things. He's a class kid and says he doesn't mind playing the support role. Hope he's serious about that. The Hunter's are going to play the crap out of Michael Hutchinson who's just returned from Bruins camp. And that's not entirely a bad thing. Hey, they paid a steep price to get him and don't like not getting a return on their investment. Just ask those associated with the Eurocan Cup.
Yikes! Two 1st's and a 2nd for a guy with a bum shoulder? Well, it's not exactly that. Phil Kessel is a super talent with youth and even more upside. Yeah, he's recovering from surgery, but I doubt for a second Brian Burke makes that deal if he feels he's getting a lemon. At 21, Kessel's essentially a 'didn't miss' first rounder dealt for picks that may or may not turn out. The gamble is part of the fun for BB, especially with those high valued blue and white chips. So much for that rebuild idea pushed along by the media. It's no rebuild, but the retooling is in high gear with the aim of getting the Leafs into the playoffs next Spring, then deep into them a year later. Wonder if there'll be any money left in the kitty for that sniper out of Atlanta? If BB really wants to impress, he should be shaping a roster for the eventual topping off with the cherry that could be Ilya Kovalchuk. The defence appears built. Kessel this year. Kovalchuk next. The offence could be next. To this point though I do like what Burke has done. I especially pleased with the signing Tyler Bozak. I think he's ready, to play in the NHL, to have an impact.
James Reimer, looking solid between the pipes this camp. He'll share time with Joey MacDonald in the "A". Well, when MacDonald isn't backing up whichever of the Fin/Swede combo isn't injured that week.
And I'm quietly rooting for Jason Allison to make the Leafs. I know it's a long shot, but I'm intrigued by his. He's been out of the game over 1,200 days, yet there he is, back on the ice with a bunch of guys who are more talented and much faster than those he last played with 3 seasons ago. Hey, 2 points for "Alli" on Friday night. Say what you will about the portable refrigerator he skates around with on his back, the ex-Knight still has a set of soft hands.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)