{"id":98216,"date":"2021-01-19T11:04:14","date_gmt":"2021-01-19T16:04:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=98216"},"modified":"2021-01-19T11:04:14","modified_gmt":"2021-01-19T16:04:14","slug":"for-arizona-coyotes-phil-kessel-the-thrill-may-be-back","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2021\/01\/19\/for-arizona-coyotes-phil-kessel-the-thrill-may-be-back\/","title":{"rendered":"For Arizona Coyotes Phil Kessel The Thrill May be Back"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Arizona Coyotes<\/a> acquired Phil Kessel<\/a> from the Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> in June of 2019 there were high hopes he could spark the meagre offence on the team. That didn’t happen, as he only tallied 14 goals and 24 assists in 70 games.<\/p>\n

Something was wrong. Or was it that he didn’t have as talented players around him as he did in Pittsburgh? As it turned out, he had a severe groin injury that hampered him. It didn’t help that he was trying to extend his ironman consecutive games played streak.<\/p>\n

Phil the Thrill Being Back is Great<\/h2>\n

It seems that Phil Kessel<\/a> took the bull by the horns this offseason and worked hard on getting into better playing shape which helps to avoid injuries. In three games thus far he has scored three times. Those are Connor McDavid<\/a> numbers.<\/p>\n

No fan in their right mind expects Kessel to continue on this torrid pace. If he did, it would result in him gathering 56 goals in this shortened season! Being a realist, we all know that won’t happen. Still, it’s more than exciting that he is off to such a good start this season.<\/p>\n

The Coyotes have never been described as an offensive powerhouse. When they lost Taylor Hall<\/a> and Carl Soderberg<\/a>, head coach Rick Tocchet<\/a> stated that the team needs to find another 0.3 – 0.5 more goals a game. If Mr. Kessel continues his newly found offensive prowess, that increased offence may be already obtained.<\/p>\n

Phil Kessel Can be an Offensive Threat<\/h3>\n

So far if you watched Kessel’s first three outings, you had to notice his increased level of play. He even stayed in the crease area to hammer one home, which is uncharacteristic for his normal play. Then, on another sweet play he deflected a shot into the net with precision and skill.<\/p>\n