His weaknesses aren't just going to lead to one bad game, they're glaring weaknesses that he won't overcome if he already hasn't by the age of 27. He is slow as molasses, can't handle the puck to save his life, and does not have anywhere near an NHL caliber glove hand.
Even in his two previous games where he posted a 1.50 GAA, he did not look that good, the team just played very well around him.
I think he needs to be more creative. He is shooting from low percentage areas, even for him.
I completely agree. Can't stand that little inside out move he tries when he can't get around. Predictable, never works. Every once in a while I'ld like to see him use his speed to create space and wait for everybody else to catch up instead of turning it over just when the rest of the team gets to the blueline.
He is producing in other ways. Look how many assists he could've had tonight. His passing this season so far has been excellent. Too bad no one is finishing for him. He'll get his goals too. But his lack of production right now is entirely on the shoulders of some others.
Phil Kessel picks up the puck, skates down the other wing, and shoots
Tonight he did that a few times, reminds me of Jason Blake, skates down the wing, shoots from bad angle, rinse and repeat. Kessel is playing well though, he is always dangerous. Streaky player.
Remember the beginning of the year when Kadri wasn't racking up points the first 12 or so games? Then points started coming in bunches and he became a point per game player. Don't write off Kessel after 4 games.
Seems like there's always one opposing player shadowing him on ES, and he doesn't have much room to shoot on the PP. Could've had a couple of assists tonight though, and had some great chances against the Pens too. Put him alongside Kadri and Frattin, and replace Kostka with Gardiner/Liles
Phil Kessel picks up the puck, skates down the other wing, and shoots
You must not have seen this player before. It's what he does, and does it very well. Heck he was in the top 10 in scoring in the entire NHL last year, doing this.
