Phil Kessel will always be a polarizing figure in the NHL. Even though we didn’t hear much about him during the playoffs (because he only played the first four games), we know he was a good teammate with the boys.
The NHL’s iron man, who doesn’t exactly have the same life discipline as Nathan MacKinnon, is a different animal. The man known as a hot-dog eater isn’t the biggest workout maniac, but against all odds, he stays healthy.
We’re not sure how, though.
All this to say that yesterday, Kessel became a three-time Stanley Cup champion. Alec Martinez and Jonathan Quick, who won together in Los Angeles in 2012 and 2014, are also in the group.
Three 3x #StanleyCup Champions. pic.twitter.com/VXbgkMOznt
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 14, 2023
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After the game, the man who also won in Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017 mentioned that he had no intention of stopping playing. He still has passion and wants to continue to stand out in the NHL.
I dare to believe that a club will sign him.
What I also dare to believe is that this club won’t be the Toronto Maple Leafs. After all, his time in Ontario was chaotic, and Kessel was roundly criticized by Maple Leafs fans.
But yesterday, Kessel hit back.
The veteran said it’s special to win when his daughter can experience it all with him, but it’s also special because he can rub it in the faces of those who told him he’d never win anything.
And he’s thinking of the people of Toronto on this one.
When I was in Toronto, they didn’t think I could win, did they?
Now I’ve won three times. – Phil Kessel
After making the playoffs just three times in his first nine years, Phil Kessel now has three rings. And he’s not done yet.
“Back in my Toronto days, they didn’t think I could win, right? Now I’m a three-timer.”(@lukefoxjukebox) https://t.co/Obcy2Y3Yug
– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 14, 2023
Kessel, who brought the Cup to Toronto in 2016, has won three more Stanley Cup titles than the Maple Leafs since leaving the Queen City. He was never the face of his franchise again, but never mind, he won.
Quite a character, that Phil.
In a gust
– Good one.
Dear Jonathan Marchessault,
I promise to spell your name correctly.
Sincerely,
Stanley– The Stanley Cup (@StanleyCup) June 14, 2023
– We hear you.
“There’s no better feeling, you dream of it all your life” – Nicolas Roy
Happy parents, happy spouses and babies in the cup. https://t.co/BCC8K9MgQg
– J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontJDM) June 14, 2023
– It’s off to a good start.
Whatever you do, please don’t drop me
– The Stanley Cup (@StanleyCup) June 14, 2023
– Contract buyout: the window will open soon.
The NHL’s first buyout window opens Friday and runs through June 30 at 5 p.m. ET.
Let the off-season begin.
– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 14, 2023
– That’s right.
The New York Rangers are your 2023 Stanley Cup Playoff Ultimate Losers!
The Rangers lost to the New Jersey Devils, who lost to the Carolina Hurricanes, who lost to the Florida Panthers, who lost to the Vegas Golden Knights! pic.twitter.com/tOS05F1Coo
– Complete Hockey News (@CompleteHkyNews) June 14, 2023