Phil Kessel's record suggests that regardless of the situation, he's a productive NHL scorer. For what he's done and what he's continued to provide the Pittsburgh Penguins this spring, however, that sort of thinking is suddenly doing the sniper a disservice.
Kessel recorded a pair of primary assists in Monday's Game 4 win over the San Jose Sharks, a triumph that pushed the Penguins to within a victory of capturing the Stanley Cup. Individually, he strengthened his improbable crusade toward the Conn Smythe Trophy.
For his Game 4 performance, and really his complete portfolio this spring, head coach Mike Sullivan heaped praise unto the formerly maligned winger unlike anything we've heard before.
"Phil has made a complete commitment to this team," Sullivan said. "We don't get to where we're at if Phil doesn't play the type of hockey that he's played here throughout the course of this playoffs. He has been one terrific player for us.
"He scores big goals. His offense speaks for itself. He's dangerous on the power play. He's dangerous off the rush. But I think was his teammates admire and respect, what his coaching staff certainly does, is his commitment away from the puck and to play at both ends of the rink.
"He's a complete player right now. When he players that way, he's one of the more elite players in the league, in our opinion."
Pittsburgh's scoring leader has contributed 10 goals and 21 points in its 22 games - more than three times his postseason appearances in six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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