The Sun: Phil Kessel's ice time falls

[hockeywiz542]

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/11/22/kessels-ice-time-falls

Phil Kessel runs during an off-ice workout Friday as only a few Leafs took to the ice at the MasterCard Centre in Etobicoke.

TORONTO - Is Leafs leading scorer Phil Kessel hurt or just bothered by routine nagging injuries?

Or has his sometime reluctance to play hard in both ends of the ice affected the opportunities thrown his way by coach Randy Carlyle?

For the past three games, Kessel has been averaging 15 minutes and change in ice time, more than three minutes below his season average.

Carlyle was not available to the media on Friday but here's what he said Thursday following the Maple Leafs' 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators when asked specifically whether Kessel is injured.

"I don't know, I think a lot of our players have bumps and bruises," Carlyle said. "They all have bumps and bruises and ailments. That's why we have maintenance days. It's difficult in some situations the bumps and bruises do pile up."

After the game against the Islanders on Tuesday -- in which Kessel scored two goals, by the way -- he declined to answer a question about a potential wrist injury after video from the game showed his right wrist wrapped in tape.

Click to read more...

 

[Leafidelity]

I really hope this doesn't turn into a bigger hunt to find an injury. There's a reason coaches only mention upper or lower body injury - players target soft spots.

 

[Leaf Rocket]

Pretty sure it's due to him being injured also having the flu....However media is the media.

In the end..all i say is GO LEAFS GO!

 

[Ace88*]

This is obvious. It's a hockey season and Phil's not invincible, nor is anyone else (save maybe doug jarvis). Guy's had the flu, good for Randy for not running him like a beaten mule.

 

[trellaine201]

I think hes hampered as well by injury or flu.

Happens to most players at some point in the season

 

[TheProspector]

He had the flu.

/thread

 

[Joey Hoser]

Better call his mom.

 

[NarcoPolo]

Better call his mom.

Hahahahaha

 

[BiggestLeafsFanEVER*]

It sounds like there's something bad going on with his wrist. THat it's not just nothing. I am worried now and hope he is okay.

also lol at the picture in OP. He's my favourite player and all but if i saw him out jogging, just the way he looks i wouldn't guess he was a hockey player at all let alone the best player on the Toronto Maple Leafs

 

[highslot]

how about the fact that the leafs are one of the most penalized teams in the league and phil the thrill doesn't get a ton of pk time?

 

[ULF_55]

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/11/22/kessels-ice-time-falls

Phil Kessel runs during an off-ice workout Friday as only a few Leafs took to the ice at the MasterCard Centre in Etobicoke.

With a quick glance I thought I was looking at a clip of Aaron Pitman there.

 

[Brewsky]

Hahaha can KESSEL ever take a picture where he doesn't look awkward and funny

 

[InterceptSchenn]

he is injured. his wrist is usually taped up, but not like it has been the last few games.

 

[thewave]

He's on a donut run!

 

[Jay99999*]

He's on a donut run!

I think when Kessel is done in hockey he has the potential to turn into one big mambo Jambo.

Obesity is just around the corner for him. But for now, go leafs go.

 

[Morbo]

what a ridiculous article.

you can tell the media is just itching for any opportunity to redeem themselves after how stupid Thrill has made them look the last couple of years.

 

[Shoebottom]

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/11/22/kessels-ice-time-falls

Phil Kessel runs during an off-ice workout Friday as only a few Leafs took to the ice at the MasterCard Centre in Etobicoke.

Every time I see this guy I think "fitness is over-hyped in the NHL".