Phil Kessel doesn't enjoy the limelight. He tends to stay out of it as much as he can, which is a rarity for a man who plays his hockey under a media microscope in Toronto.
Kessel is an elite and at many times an under-appreciated talent on a Leafs squad that will be making their first playoff appearance since 2004.
A big reason for the playoff berth is the strong yet quiet play of Kessel all season long. As of his most recent game against the Florida Panthers, Kessel has a solid 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points.
That puts him sixth overall in NHL scoring with only Patrick Kane, Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis ahead of him. That is some pretty elite company to be placed in.
His 32 assists this season are tied for second-best among right wingers with Patrick Kane equaling his total. The only right winger with more is the seemingly ageless Martin St. Louis.
One part of what has made Kessel's 2012-13 season so successful is that he's been able to grow and transition from a pure goal scorer to a more defensively aware presence.
Don't get me wrong, Kessel is still paid to p ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Anthony Fusco
Toronto Maple Leafs: Phil Kessel Quietly Continues His Excellent Season
April 25th, 2013 by Anthony Fusco Leave a reply »
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