Kessel missed Monday's practice because of the flu, but it will not hold him out of Tuesday's contest. Kessel has cooled off after a hot-start, he has not scored in his last four games and only one goal in his last seven. With Tyler Bozak's return just around the corner, expect Kessel to heat-up again.
Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle said Kessel will visit doctors today and that he hopes to have him available tomorrow vs. Islanders. If Kessel can not go, Joffrey Lupul will move to first line with James van Riemsdyk and Peter Holland.
Since being traded to the Maple Leafs, Kessel has scored 119 goals in four seasons. He has had three 30-goal seasons and 20 goals in the shortened season (on pace for 34). He is a one dimensional player, but it is hard to find a consistent 30-goal scorer so Kessel will remain the centrepiece of the Maple Leafs roster for the next eight years. In seven NHL seasons with the Bruins and Maple Leafs, he has 185 goals and 379 points in 504 games.
Kessel was suspended for the multiple slashes he landed on Sabres toughguy John Scott in Sunday's line brawl. This is great news for Maple Leafs fans and Kessel owners.
The 25-year-old landed a pair of two-handed slashes on Scott after he dropped his gloves to initiate a fight in the third period of Sunday’s exhibition.
Kessel leads the league in shots on goal this season but still doesn't have a goal. Now it is not like he isn't playing well, because he is. He's generated tons of chances and hit iron multiple times. It is only a matter of time before he gets a goal. Could it be tonight? And once he does get that monkey off his back, will the flood gates open?
Kessel is gritting through today's practice and is not expected to miss any playing time. His 44 points rank third in the League in scoring.
Due to his red-hot start, Kessel has been the target of opposing defensemen. Last night he played 17:23, registering an assist in the process; expect him to suit up tomorrow night.
Kessel is having the best start of his career, making it seem like he could once again approach 40 goals over a full season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs winger had five goals and eight points in three games in the opening 11 days of the year, putting him into a tie among the league leaders in scoring. [Globe and Mail]
A hat trick vs. the Sens puts Kessel tied for the league lead in goals. Temper short-term expectations as the Leafs have a dainty schedule to open the year but Kessel looks on track to have another 30+ goal season.
Kessel sounds very relaxed, which could lead to more goals. He's scored 62 goals over his two years as a Leaf; he could very well breakout into the 70-80 point range with a better center like Nazem Kadri, Tim Connolly and Matthew Lombardi.
Kessel is coming off back-to-back 30 goal campaigns but should score even more with a bonfide playmaking center like Connolly.
