Thats not true though. He back checks but he's never been a force on the boards and never will be. Doesnt mean he's not disrupting the other team in his defensive zone at all and sometimes he does come out on top of the board battles...he certainly isnt floating or cheating much out there.
- MattStrat

He does not back check consistently, in occasion perhaps. And while he isn't pond hockey floating at the redline, watch him in his defensive zone. He does these little loops around the top to middle of the circle and it seems like he intentionally puts himself out of position so he can't get to the boards to make a play if he is going to be challenged.

This is why he was so effective with the HBK line and not so much with Geno and whatever winger they insert. Hagelin and Bonino did all of the hard work down low and they were able to free up Kessel to attack. It also helped that their line had way easier matchups going against 3rd lines and pairs.

My point is that Kessel is responsible for his own struggles. He isn't playing well, so stop trying to make excuses for him. Hopefully he gets it back on track down the stretch. He is due.

He does not back check consistently, in occasion perhaps. And while he isn't pond hockey floating at the redline, watch him in his defensive zone. He does these little loops around the top to middle of the circle and it seems like he intentionally puts himself out of position so he can't get to the boards to make a play if he is going to be challenged.

This is why he was so effective with the HBK line and not so much with Geno and whatever winger they insert. Hagelin and Bonino did all of the hard work down low and they were able to free up Kessel to attack. It also helped that their line had way easier matchups going against 3rd lines and pairs.

My point is that Kessel is responsible for his own struggles. He isn't playing well, so stop trying to make excuses for him. Hopefully he gets it back on track down the stretch. He is due.
- MacPatty

My point is that you can't pin their offensive struggles on the defenceman they play with when they do nothing to help out on the back check or in their own zone. It's a two way street.
- MacPatty

Actually, you can. And it's not limited to 2 specific players or one specific team.

So.... trade Malkin and Kessel so they can be the man on their own teams.

So.... trade Malkin and Kessel so they can be the man on their own teams.
- Guile

They can't be the man, they aren't Selke finalists.

He does not back check consistently, in occasion perhaps. And while he isn't pond hockey floating at the redline, watch him in his defensive zone. He does these little loops around the top to middle of the circle and it seems like he intentionally puts himself out of position so he can't get to the boards to make a play if he is going to be challenged.

This is why he was so effective with the HBK line and not so much with Geno and whatever winger they insert. Hagelin and Bonino did all of the hard work down low and they were able to free up Kessel to attack. It also helped that their line had way easier matchups going against 3rd lines and pairs.

My point is that Kessel is responsible for his own struggles. He isn't playing well, so stop trying to make excuses for him. Hopefully he gets it back on track down the stretch. He is due.
- MacPatty

So last year Kessel had a career year...and according do this report his most common center was Malkin. Bonino wasnt even on the team. So what are you talking about?

https://frozenpool.dobber...&period=ALL&situation=ALL

To me, one of the most important things for an offensive minded forward is getting chances and I've seen Phil get a lot in this this semi-slump. According to this report he's had 65 HDSC's this year so far, last year in his career year he had 71. So what are you talking about?

https://www.naturalstattr...te=n&v=p&playerid=8473548

So last year Kessel had a career year...and according do this report his most common center was Malkin. Bonino wasnt even on the team. So what are you talking about?

https://frozenpool.dobber...&period=ALL&situation=ALL

To me, one of the most important things for an offensive minded forward is getting chances and I've seen Phil get a lot in this this semi-slump. According to this report he's had 65 HDSC's this year so far, last year in his career year he had 71. So what are you talking about?

https://www.naturalstattr...te=n&v=p&playerid=8473548
- MattStrat

Kessel is also having his best 5v5 P60 season with PIT this season. Time to trade him.

Kessel is also having his best 5v5 P60 season with PIT this season. Time to trade him.
- Feds91Stammer

hahaha

So last year Kessel had a career year...and according do this report his most common center was Malkin. Bonino wasnt even on the team. So what are you talking about?

https://frozenpool.dobber...&period=ALL&situation=ALL

To me, one of the most important things for an offensive minded forward is getting chances and I've seen Phil get a lot in this this semi-slump. According to this report he's had 65 HDSC's this year so far, last year in his career year he had 71. So what are you talking about?

https://www.naturalstattr...te=n&v=p&playerid=8473548
- MattStrat

It's just a goal slump, once that one goes in he'll get it going.

So last year Kessel had a career year...and according do this report his most common center was Malkin. Bonino wasnt even on the team. So what are you talking about?

https://frozenpool.dobber...&period=ALL&situation=ALL

To me, one of the most important things for an offensive minded forward is getting chances and I've seen Phil get a lot in this this semi-slump. According to this report he's had 65 HDSC's this year so far, last year in his career year he had 71. So what are you talking about?

https://www.naturalstattr...te=n&v=p&playerid=8473548
- MattStrat

Kessel is also having his best 5v5 P60 season with PIT this season. Time to trade him.
- Feds91Stammer

Guys.......

back checking. Why can't Malkin and Kessel be Crosby?

Guys.......

back checking. Why can't Malkin and Kessel be Crosby?
- jmatchett383

Same reason Crosby can't be Fedorov. Some players are just better.

So.... trade Malkin and Kessel so they can be the man on their own teams.
- Guile

I think they should trade Kessel, not Malkin.

Guys.......

back checking. Why can't Malkin and Kessel be Crosby?
- jmatchett383

Compared to the level of back checking he did in Toronto, Kessel puts Crosby to shame.

So last year Kessel had a career year...and according do this report his most common center was Malkin. Bonino wasnt even on the team. So what are you talking about?

https://frozenpool.dobber...&period=ALL&situation=ALL

To me, one of the most important things for an offensive minded forward is getting chances and I've seen Phil get a lot in this this semi-slump. According to this report he's had 65 HDSC's this year so far, last year in his career year he had 71. So what are you talking about?

https://www.naturalstattr...te=n&v=p&playerid=8473548
- MattStrat

When did I say anything about last year?

I think they should trade Kessel, not Malkin.
- MacPatty

How do you replace Kessel's production?

Kessel is also having his best 5v5 P60 season with PIT this season. Time to trade him.
- Feds91Stammer

I agree with you. His stats look good so hopefully there are GMs out there who like you only look at a stat sheet and offer to overpay for him. An A prospect and a 1st with little/no salary coming back would be ideal.

I agree with you. His stats look good so hopefully there are GMs out there who like you only look at a stat sheet and offer to overpay for him. An A prospect and a 1st with little/no salary coming back would be ideal.
- MacPatty

When did I say anything about last year?
- MacPatty

So what about where I talked about this year?

You are one of the most stubborn contributors to this community I've ever exchanged with, and dont take that as me wanting you gone or not around or anything, thats not the case. Its just that not only does pretty much every other single person here disagrees with you but also the actual stats arnt on your side either

I just showed a plain as day example that you are absolutely wrong about Phil and Geno and you don't acknowledge it at all.

PS: I can be very stubborn around here too...

So what about where I talked about this year?

You are one of the most stubborn contributors to this community I've ever exchanged with, and dont take that as me wanting you gone or not around or anything, thats not the case. Its just that not only does pretty much every other single person here disagrees with you but also the actual stats arnt on your side either

I just showed a plain as day example that you are absolutely wrong about Phil and Geno and you don't acknowledge it at all.

PS: I can be very stubborn around here too...
- MattStrat

Everyone knows that the key to improving any team is to get rid of at least 1 of your best players.

I agree with you. His stats look good so hopefully there are GMs out there who like you only look at a stat sheet and offer to overpay for him. An A prospect and a 1st with little/no salary coming back would be ideal.
- MacPatty

I dunno man. You think there’s a GM the Pens could fleece to take Kessel off their hands?

It's just a goal slump, once that one goes in he'll get it going.
- 668710

Yeah I think the flood gates might open for him soon....and that would be right in time...

Everyone knows that the key to improving any team is to get rid of at least 1 of your best players.
- Feds91Stammer

Obviously. You have to send the message that nobody’s job is safe even if you lose 80ish points from your lineup.

I dunno man. You think there’s a GM the Pens could fleece to take Kessel off their hands?
- Rinosaur

Kessel for Bogosian, Thompson, and a 1st (e5)

Kessel for Bogosian, Thompson, and a 1st (e5)
- Feds91Stammer

JR isn’t that good. Nice try.

Kessel for Bogosian, Thompson, and a 1st (e5)
- Feds91Stammer

The Pens should get another D-man with 3rd overall pick pedigree. Thats what they need.

JJ, Gud and Bogo...plan the parade.