Not many players in the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs boosted their reputation more than Phil Kessel.
His performance against the Boston Bruins in Round 1 proved that the superstar winger is capable of producing offensively against the league's best defensive players.
He tallied six points (four goals, two assists) in seven games, including two game-winning goals. Prior to that series, Kessel had zero even-strength goals in 23 career games versus his former team (he had three in Round 1).
Toronto would lose the series in heartbreaking fashion, but those seven games changed the perception of Kessel. He took his game to another level and didn't let the playoff pressure from fans and media negatively impact his performance.
We could debate all day whether or not Kessel is a legitimate "franchise player."
But there's no question that when a team has an opportunity to re-sign and build an offense around an elite winger who consistently scores 30-plus goals, makes his teammates better with good playmaking skills, and excels on the power play, it's a contract that must get done.
With 1 ...
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Article written by Nicholas Goss
Is Phil Kessel the Winger the Maple Leafs Should Build Around?
July 26th, 2013 by Nicholas Goss Leave a reply »
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