HabLover
Registered User
Looks like Kessel vs. Crosby again................
I imagine AO will be there for Russia?
I imagine AO will be there for Russia?
Irish Blues said:Kessel's going to (sort of) be under the microscope yet again. He'll be playing against grown men, and it'll be interesting to see how he adapts. He could indeed help himself with an impressive showing; of course, if he has a performance like he did at the 2005 WJC's, his stock may fall faster than Enron did in late 2001.
Certainly he knows it's a big challenge, let's see how he handles it.
Beesfan said:You mean if he wins the scoring title and figures in on both goals in an elimination game win
Irish Blues said:Kessel's going to (sort of) be under the microscope yet again. He'll be playing against grown men, and it'll be interesting to see how he adapts. He could indeed help himself with an impressive showing; of course, if he has a performance like he did at the 2005 WJC's, his stock may fall faster than Enron did in late 2001.
Certainly he knows it's a big challenge, let's see how he handles it.
Dr.Sens(e) said:I couldn't disagree more. This is actually one of the first opportunities for Kessel to play without much at stake. If he doesn't make an impact, so what? He's 18 years old and it will be chalked up as a good experience for the guy and I'm sure his team mates will say all the right things. The fact USA Hockey invited him simply adds to his resume, as they recognize his long-term value to US Hockey.
I think the only risk for Kessel is if he acts like some sort of prima dona amongst NHLers, and there is a bit of a backlash. But I really don't see that happening. If he's scores a couple of goals and looks like he belongs, some teams will look at him as being potentially 'ready' with the right linemates, and it might move him back up a spot or two on some teams lists. On other lists, he might not have any room to move up.
This is a chance for Kessel to show any kind of signs that his game will translate to the NHL. If he looks completely lost on the ice, it won't look good to scouts and will only make the negative buzz that much louder. However, if he somewhat fits in, it's at least a sign that he can make the jump and be successful and will quiet some of the naysayers who think he won't be able to do well at the higher levels.Dr.Sens(e) said:I couldn't disagree more. This is actually one of the first opportunities for Kessel to play without much at stake. If he doesn't make an impact, so what? He's 18 years old and it will be chalked up as a good experience for the guy and I'm sure his team mates will say all the right things. The fact USA Hockey invited him simply adds to his resume, as they recognize his long-term value to US Hockey.
I think the only risk for Kessel is if he acts like some sort of prima dona amongst NHLers, and there is a bit of a backlash. But I really don't see that happening. If he's scores a couple of goals and looks like he belongs, some teams will look at him as being potentially 'ready' with the right linemates, and it might move him back up a spot or two on some teams lists. On other lists, he might not have any room to move up.
Irish Blues said:This is a chance for Kessel to show any kind of signs that his game will translate to the NHL. If he looks completely lost on the ice, it won't look good to scouts and will only make the negative buzz that much louder. However, if he somewhat fits in, it's at least a sign that he can make the jump and be successful and will quiet some of the naysayers who think he won't be able to do well at the higher levels.
Put another way - if he tries the "I'm going in 1-on-4" thing here like he tried against Canada at the WJC's, not only will he get knocked on his *** over and over, it's a sign he did not learn from his mistakes in Vancouver. If he tries to be "the man" here and plays selfish, it'll look bad. But if he looks like he's playing as part of a team, looks creative, and so on - in other words, does the things that will make him look good both now and in the future - it'll go a long way toward helping him.
He can't hurt himself badly - but he *could* help himself out quite a bit with a good performance.
NobodyBeatsTheWiz said:So how disappointed are you going to be if the Pens don't pick Kessel, Jaded? You seem to be the biggest advocate of that pick on the boards. Though it would be a good pick, I personally think Toews might be a better fit for Crosby's wing, as he does a little bit of everything well, and Crosby can handle goal scoring.
That said, as a Caps fan, I'll be disappointed if anyone the Pens draft does well.
Jaded-Fan said:Toews, Staal, Kessel or Johnson. I do not see how anyone could be 'disappointed' whichever way the Pens ultimately go.
go kim johnsson 514 said:Kessel gets a rare extra chance here. I don't think Crosby even played Worlds until this year. This should motivate Kessel tremendously.
HabLover said:They are both the same age, so why would Crosby have already played at the World's? Kessel being named this year to Team USA at the World's is a surprise to many, but it also shows a lack of interest from all of the American NHL or AHL players, thus USA Hockey having to fill roster spots with somebody.
Ok so Crosby is what, a month older then Kessel?(I really have no idea when Kessel was born, but I think he was an '87 since I believe he was 18 this whole season at Minnesota).Panasonic Youth said:If they were the same age then wouldn't you think that they would have been drafted in the same year?
Panasonic Youth said:If they were the same age then wouldn't you think that they would have been drafted in the same year?