Phil Kessel is a punk a** and I don't want him polluting my

Post by **Jerez** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:33 pm

We watched the Wisconsin-Minnesota game on TiVo tonight. In the third period of the FOURTH game this season between the two teams, Phil Kessel finally scored a goal. Granted, he had been booed repeatedly by the fans (read: students) at both games this weekend, but he deserved it most of the time. He didn't do anything last night except give the puck away, and while he had a few good chances before the third tonight, he wasn't the star of the game.

But he finally scored (on the poor freshman backup goaltender) and what did he do? Skates around the ice with his hand cupped to his ear. Sounds like another cocky superstar-in-training I heard about, but I'm afraid this one isn't going to be able to fill his skates.

Anyway, say the Pens do get the number draft pick (my prediction? lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place). Do I think Phil Kessel can handle being number three (after Crosby and Malkin) let alone number four (after Fleury) on a team? Highly doubtful. All signs point to this kid being another headache "dying alive" unless they build a team specially around him.

Okay, that was fun! My first official "new topic" on this board.

Have a nice day.

(where's that Bon Jovi smilie????)

yeltzen · Post by **yeltzen** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:38 pm

If the Pens do manage to get the #1 pick, the should try to strike a big deal with the Wild for it. Might not work, but it's worth a shot. Otherwise, take Johnson instead of that punk.

Post by **netwolf** » Sat Jan 28, 2006 11:41 pm

I didn't see it at all, but is it possible that Kessel just let his emotions get the best of him with the ear-cupping thing? After all, most teenagers don't have the poise of Sidney Crosby.

I have no idea what his game is like, but the Pens definitely don't have room for another offensive minded center with Crosby, Malkin, and Christensen around. If his game doesn't translate well to the wing and they are in position to draft him, they might be better suited to trading down a spot or two.

Ironhorse · Post by **Ironhorse** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:20 am

We need to draft a good defenseman anyhow.

Post by **the wicked child** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 12:27 am

I want Staal.

Johnson won't be able to help for a few years anyway between college and learning the ropes. Staal with Crosby and Malkin... wow.

I hope we finish last and lose the lottery so some other sap team takes Kessel 1st and then we can grab Staal.

Eric Staal is pretty impressive... if its true that this Staal might be the best of the bunch, I am all over that like a hawk on a baby rabbit.

okay, not a nice analogy, but it's late.

FallenHero96 · Post by **FallenHero96** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 1:07 am

What makes you so hyped up on Staal>? I just looked at his stats, and he isnt even in the top 35 in scoring in the OHL. What am I missing?

*edit, I assume you mean Jordan not Eric... Eric plays for Carolina.

Post by **the wicked child** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 1:55 am

Hmm. Apparently I was given some bad info in that regard... I've heard whispers that he could be better than his brother... and I had someone else talk him up pretty good, but it is obviously not showing up on the scoresheet...

Regardless, Kessel is sounding less attractive all the time... he could very well end up as a major bust given some of the things that appear to be surfacing in his game now that he is in the main spot light.

WHat do the Pens do though? Obviously Johnson is the best D-man in the draft, but how many years will it be before he actually can make an impact in the NHL? It could be a few years, so do you take him?

I would take Johnson over Kessel, but who be next if not those people (or assuming the Pens pick 3 or lower and these 2 are gone already)...

DelPen · Post by **DelPen** » Sun Jan 29, 2006 9:36 am

After Johnson and Kessel is Jonathan Toews. He's having a good rookie season in North Dakota, he is still another year away probably but should end up being a scoring wing.