WHAT THE PHIL
— Phil Kessel’s performance in the Penguins 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders Tuesday night just summed up his season with the Penguins.
Kessel had the puck on his stick to open the game with a grade-A chance but couldn’t raise the puck past Jaroslav Halak to give the Penguins early momentum and a 1-0 lead.
Kessel then had the puck on his stick in the waning seconds of regulation to tie the game with another grade-A chance and came up empty. The frustration with the game ending blocked shot from Travis Hamonic on the Kessel shot attempt is Kessel’s moving backwards when the pucks coming to him. He took himself out of position and as he’s going backwards it gives Hamonic ample time to block the shot.
Hamonic game-saver in the final seconds pic.twitter.com/z4gdZmxz1G
— Stephanie (@myregularface) March 9, 2016
To Kessel’s defense, Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby also missed some grade-A chances in the third period. It happens. That said the night for Kessel was so Phil Kessel and what continues to be concerning for the Penguins big picture is Kessel was also not finishing these type of grade-A chances with the Maple Leafs last season. He’s a declining player that doesn’t project to be a difference maker into his 30’s and the window to get a great season or seasons out of him is only going to continue to get slimmer moving forward.
— The other concerning aspect for the Penguins in this one was the Islanders getting under the Penguins skin. The blueprint is there for any team in playing the Penguins in a playoff series, try to drive them nuts and that Islanders fourth line can do it. Kris Letang had a great game but the Isles were getting under his skin at times and frustrations boiled over for Ian Cole with a bad penalty in the third period.
— No 5 v 5 goals between the two teams. The difference was two power play goals from the Islanders. The way the Islanders penalty kill, though, is what stood out. The Penguins can burn teams that sit back and New York counters that with quick forwards who rotate very quickly to take away shooting lanes as the Penguins had just 4 power play shots in three opportunities.
— Bright spot for the Penguins 5 v 5 was winning the possession game, an area they’ve struggled in the past vs New York. Pittsburgh held a 68-53 shot attempts advantage 5 v 5. Lot’s of shot attempts but not a lot of high danger chances. Both teams were effective at limiting high danger scoring chances.
I wont go as far as making a Sam guarantee to you clowns, mainly because I actually want it to come true, but I think Ladarius Green will be seen as one of the biggest FA steals of the offseason by the end of the season. His size/skill (6’6 240, 4.5 40 time, 20 YPC) in this offense brings huge opportunities, more so than Heath in his prime IMO.
Yeah I could see him having a huge year. That’s huge for the offense to have a big passing threat like that down the middle of the field. If Ben is healthy, it wouldn’t surprise me if he hits the 5,000 mark.
It doesn’t even have to be number wise for him to have a huge year – it’s the threat. There’s only so much of that ball to go around. But still – he’s another weapon. And someone else that, even if he merely opens up more space for AB and Le’Veon, it’s huge. He’ll get his catches too, don’t get me wrong. But it’s not just a failure if he has 600 yards vs. hovering around 1,000.
Absolutely. It may be a bummer for those picking him early as their fantasy sleeper, but no one ever gameplanned for Heath Miller’s 5 yard stick routes. Containing Green is just another thing to worry about.
Its funny that the Steelers make a major (relative) signing that is lauded by “those in the know” and all TIOPS members get is a quick instant buzz. Pathetic really.
Amen. This was like a pie in the sky signing – someone I wanted I thought they’d never have a chance at.
Same. When DePaoli actually put up quality content and listed possible TE replacements, I said my #1 choice would be Green. Never thought it would happen. But dammit DePaoli, at least you can try to take credit for predicting it…
Sam gave all of my posts a thumbs down again…
http://i.giphy.com/EYmAHLpw5LBbG.gif
There’s a thumbs up right there from Uncle Stanch, buddy.
Best. Day. Ever. THANK YOU!
Sad little Queers maybe you two should hold hands. Maybe that would cheer each other up
I gave you a thumbs down because you are mean.
i give you stans thumbs up so you can stick up in your *** you fat queer
Brooks Orpig’s jaded lover / the guy with a weird infatuation for “Nathan,” really seems to be heavily pre-occupied with man on man assplay.
Trump said Islam hates us? ’bout time someone noticed….
http://www.theonion.com/article/im-trump-all-way-says-man-who-will-die-mishandling-52449
That’s a straigh up DePaoli headline.
http://i.giphy.com/g6nhkM6Fg5daE.gif
Who cares about the Pens. Steelers are going all in.
This is a grade-D comment at best.
Whammy
Just saw Pens/Flyers at Heinz Field official. No one care about outdoor games anymore? lol
I thought it’d be cool if it was at Beaver Stadium with both teams meeting in the middle.
Sam is as successful at chess as a blind man skeet shooting
“Heath Mitter retyers” – Sam
Ladarius Green a Steeler. 4years at $20 million.
Whammy.I think this is an absolute steal.
2.44M cap hit this year. Time to get Weddle.
Agree. Also, big win by Pitt. Funny how well we do against Syracuse.
Great pickup – love it – on to Weddle is right.
Plenty of cap space to do it. About $6M available with plenty of creative options to get more space.
They are better off trying to resign beachum to one-year deal.
Why? Villanueva literally did just as good of a job last year. And he was still pointed up toward the end of the year. I trust Munchak. The secondary is what needs the help the most.
Agreed, big win. Pretty annoying how inconsistent they are tho. Not just game to game, but minute to minute. I think their Grade-A game can beat UNC, but they need to put together a full 60. Something they havent done since their OOC schedule.
No thank you on Weddle. White safety over 30 yrs old. Pass
I agree great signing. F Chubby!
I guess it depends on how you classify a “great season”, individual performances really don’t mean much to me, how those individual performances come together to lead the team to success is all that matters, Kessel’s regular season struggles mean nothing if he has a strong playoffs and helps the Pens compete for a Cup. Kessel could have a stellar regular season but shit the bed in the playoffs and it would/should be considered a bad season.
PS having a great season and disappearing in the playoffs is known as pulling a Crosby.
Yet Sutter sacked acording to you clowns since he wasn’t good in season yet good in playoffs if we will use your examples jay
Stan probably said he sacked. I think I remember Stan calling Sutter a decent pass rusher.
He had 12 points in 33 games you jackwagon. Is that good to you?
Didnt you include Sutter in the list of overrated US born players you were bashing yesterday? There has to be just enough brain power between you and yoda to make sure the autonomic functions are operating well… after that all bets are off.
it’s funny how you claim the guy who is 7th in NHL history in PPG sucks but you fail to mention your lover st.blurry the hall of shamer.
It’s funny how you claim Babcock as the GM of the Leafs.
babcock calls the shots
You would know.
Maybe Sullivan can trade Kessel for some picks this summer.
yeah because sully has the same equivalent value to the team then babcock.
when you pay a coach alot of money he better have a say in decisions and Mike babcock the minute he arrived to toronto he wanted Chubby gone the word was he wasnt a fan of kessel play
Smart guy right away he cut of that cancer from torontos future
The fact that you and Yogurt agree on something ensures it’s complete bs.
Right. Not the 3 GM-equivalents that they have, or the President of Operations. Babcock. Yogurt!
Yes because Shanahan fears Babcock and Lou has never done anything in his life like make trades of this nature. You are such a dumbfuck
I wonder what sports Same plays
chess the least movement possible
That takes too much brainpower. Jenga? Do you play jenga maybe?
Still too much brain power… Feces flinging is more sames speed
Is rolling around in your own feces considered a sport? I’m guessing that’s about the extent of Sam’s mental capabilities.
Sorry if I confused you Sam, feces is poopy.
Same plays the only sport that matters…ball hockey!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsw_auIc8-o
What are all the Penguin Fan Boys wearing Kessel jerseys going to do? Already suffering from self esteem problems and an identity crisis, soon they will be left with a completely worthless $200 Penguin’s jersey with another man’s name on it.
Has anyone been a Kessel fanboy this season?
Stan
yeah must be stan that clown wanted crosby get traded or have his C striped away and given to Kessel Maybe the C suits better to kessel only thing is people will think it stands for captain while kessel knows the C stands for Chubby
I wonder if the C will be striped on the new jerseys next year.
I never said to “trade Crosby.” Mostly because I know it’s a waste of breath. Everyone loves the golden boy. Even when he only shows up for half a season. That’s why you’re still there sticking your tongue in his ear, Sam.
Luckily for fanboy me, a $200 is akin to you throwing $10 of gas in your car before your next paycheck comes through.
Aren’t jerseys like $350?
Kessel sucks. He’s a fat, out of shape pussy who’s consecutive game streak is due to an allergy to physcial contact. He’ll be more invisible in the playoffs and further drag Malkin down. No one in this organziation has the balls to admit the trade was a mistake and we are stuck with him through the Pens’ first around playoff exit. Let’s move on to next season when hopefully our new GM will unload Kessel for a bag of dicks.
well told you guys pens shouldve kept kapanen and kessel wasnt worth it
once again another young player gone for a washed up player
Now if only those clowns are man enough to come forward and say they were drooling over the kessel trade and were preparing for stanley cup parade ? where are those clowns all of a sudden no one was exited over kessel just ask npl and stan it was never them
Fair question. Where did these clowns go when they exited?
you tell me clown
I bet same people that drooled over scuderi coming back to pittsburgh.
he was going to be the shut down guy for OVI and apparently teach Letang some real hockey
And same was and idiot when he wanted TK traded in 2010 According some clown TK needed to be a top 6 forward .
Same clowns that said Iggy is done when sam said he will score another 25-30 goals
Bonino ,Sutter trade was bad while clowns here were happy 3rd line 19 goal scorer gone
Pleasee clowns come forward
You see that Maloni? “Apparently”
Oddly enough Bonino has the same production as Sutter this year lol. Add fehr to that mix and we have nearly doubled the production for the same money!
I might be able to help. Do you know what door they exited?
yeah i think more like towards your room
Can you describe the door they exited? You remember the size, color, material? Anything to help us catch these clowns? No detail is too small.
well its not your typical door size id same 1.5 wider since you need to go through .color might be red since you have trouble to see where your room is since you have so much fat on the chick that it is covering your sight
If my eyesight is obstructed, why would the color matter?
I digress, back to the clown exiting mystery…
So we’re looking for an atypical, wide, red door that is “more like towards” my room where clowns exited over Kessel. Still not sure… Describe the doors mechanics. When the clowns exited, did the door slide, revolve, or lift up? Was it automatic or manual? Again, no detail is too small to catch these clowns who exited.
This is just what Phil needed to turn his season around. Unfortunately, for Kapenen, Sam just doomed his career
phil came to pittsburgh as a vacation destination .only to hide behind crosby and malkin when things heat up .not only he is a thief this guy is a professional Con artist
Nobody makes anyone come to this site. If ya don’t like it, don’t come here!!!!!
Nobody makes you look at a car wreck either. Same thing.
i’m shocked pitt hoops made the instant buzz
H2P
Here’s a counter point article with a much smaller headline. I don’t agree with all of it, but worth a read: http://thepensnation.com/tpn/division/metropolitan-division/pittsburgh-penguins/a-closer-look-at-phil-kessel/
the article fails to mention that kessel is a pusssy.
He must be, given that it takes one to know one. Thus I trust your judgment.
if kessels contract is not a lot then Fleury ,letang and Crosby contract is not alot either in todays hockey
8.7M cap hit for 30 games is a lot
I AM sure your fellow american contract is better
Parise another Fraud 196Pts in 245 Games with the wilds so far
Impressive numbers for the amount he is getting paid that thief
another gomez 2.0
best one is dubnyk another Fraud with nothing accomplished so far played has what under his belt 35 40 games played last season with wilds .and yet got a bigger contract then fleury .I guess when you are american automatically you can be overpaid. I wonder if sid,letang and fleury were American what would be their price today
Flip it around. Maybe if you’re Canadian, you’re too dumb to sign an appropriate contract on point with your talent level.
we want to win the cup so we think long term by signing cheaper contract so GM can afford to bring other players.
Unlike Parise,kessel Sutter.Gomez,Dubnyk Dipietro will never win the cup because of their ego.
Gomez only won on his rookie year since contract he has been nothing but cancer everywhere he goes just like the one we have now Kessel
That’s apparent by Toews taking 10.5M for producing 47pts, he really gave Chicago one hell of a discount for that type of production.
I love when sam quits responding when something like this comes up.
LOL thats a .8 PPG pace which is not bad in todays game.
I think the window is closing on Same to lose weight and D to stop having kids and running a shi**y website.
1. It wouldn’t be a great season even if Kessel scored a hat trick in every game the rest of the way. It’d be a great quarter season. Just like Sid has only had a great quarter season. Full seasons are out of the question when you are invisible/ineffective for weeks at a time. 2. Dude, simplify your titles. “Opportunity for Kessel to impress closing.” Whammy. Don’t strain yourself or your readers. 3. Sustaining power is not a thing in the context you place it. E.g. Samtheman, aka Chubby, will not have the staying power to continue commenting on TIOPS… Read more »
“The Window for getting a great season out of Phil Kessel is only going to continue to get smaller” Cant decide if the analysis or the headline is better.
It’s brilliant. Almost as if he had an epiphany that, as a player ages, his output declines.
That’s a grade-A comment.
can we all stop complaining about bad penalties? the refs call stuff accoriding to the scoreboard. in the end they even it all up.
if the pens want to move kessel mario is going to have to eat half of that contract.
are you guys still going to laugh at me when i say babcock ripped off rutherford? getting a 1st round pick, prospects, and that horrendous 7 mil cap hit off the books was absolutely highway robbery.
Babcock did call the shots as soon as he was hired he made management know he wanted chubby out of there
do you blame him? he signed until he is 34 and he sucks at 28.
No one is untradable in todays cap era
Kessel will be soon with his 3rd team under same contract
D anyways you can bring up Malkin on a decline side for his offensive Faceoffs? I always said he suckss but just need to be Confirmed
Where did Zatkoff get traded? Why won’t you confirm that? Also, how do we still have Rust when we traded him with a 3rd? Where are the answers same?
Career % is 43.6… he is currently at 42.2… thats pretty much his career average you tool bag
Great article Mr. D i guess you Payed attention for my request in the Previous article about this Fraud
Hopefully the Pens will be able to trade Kessel this offseason. And having a lot of shot attempts for isn’t a highlight. They always do and they rarely finish. Who gives a flying fuckk how many shot attempts you have when you only score once.
ha ! the same guy that you guys Drooled over this past summer .Now wanted to be traded
send chubby to Colorado and get Nathan
Nathan! Your boy toy!
Cullen took a dumb penalty as well.
Yeah but Pierre, who has been stalking him since he was in the Ducks system, said he has never seen him take a penalty like that before!
He does stalk him! I agree he doesn’t lose his head very often. I was just pointing it out to D because his top notch writing skills missed it.
Yeah, just making fun of Pierre. That guy probably jerks off reading the back side of hockey cards.
No doubt on that! He has boxes of cards and Kleenex and lotion all over his man cave.