Can Kessel be stopped?

Can Kessel, aka "The Lord and Saviour", be stopped?

After watching him play, I don't believe he can be!

Fastest Player EVER. :eek:

Maybe when he plays against a real team....

Seeing as how he racked up those points against Norway I think a true indication of whether he can be stopped will come New Years Eve against the likes of Staal, Parent, Barker and Bourdon... and I will be there :D

I think he can be but it'll take a concentrated team effort to pull it off.It'll be tricky because he's far from the only weapon they've got.Concentrate on him TOO much and while you may take him out of the game the other guys hurt you instead.The Norway game i don't think is a good indicator of whether he can be shut down or not though.I mean,you expect him to slice through those guys,they are just not on the same page athletically and skill wise.When you have an out of their league team playing against a talented group like that there is just no way for the top talent not to burn you all game..............the whole squad has them running around all game,you just know they are not gonna be able to contain him.

I don't know how their opponents are going to do it but my best guess is that you can't focus on him too much out there.Pay close attention to him but more then anything pressure their d-men and guys so they have to make quick decisions with the puck while you make sure you play a defensive game that focuses on the fundementals of good team defense.Thats a teams best shot i would think.

Oh,one other thing..........stay out of the damn box as much as possible.You want to play these guys 5 on 5 as much as you can.You always want to do that of course but with a team loaded with weapons like them,it's just that much more important.

Chara > Kessel

Chara > Kessel

Jazz > Bumblebee/Goldbug

Jazz > Bumblebee/Goldbug

Wanna be my new best friend? :innocent: :biglaugh:

Jazz > Bumblebee/Goldbug

Pete Rock > Every other producer. ;)

As far as Kessel is concerned, he'll have his share of average games as some of the better teams will find ways of shutting him down.

Maybe when he plays against a real team....


There doesn't seem to be any of those, this year ;)

Chara > Kessel

Chara > Kessel ? Huh?

I am sure you don't mean Phil Kessel.

Because Chara is no match for Phil Kessel!

The Russian defense (and goalkeeping) will shut him dowm.. In the finals! :teach:

Seriously, he will get his points, and who knows, maybe he will produce bigtime in the Gold medal game, vs Canada.

Wanna be my new best friend? :innocent: :biglaugh:

As long as I get to be Mirage. . .

As long as I get to be Mirage. . .


Mmmm..... Mirage.... *drool*

Break a good old fashioned Torspo over his ankle.

Jazz > Bumblebee/Goldbug


Soundwave > Jazz > Bumblebee/Goldbug

Break a good old fashioned Torspo over his ankle.

Kessel = Kharlamov V2005?

I sure hope you americans realize that playing Canada will not be a picnic. We have an intense pride that sometimes defies logic. The last finals we met, you guys won. Our goaltender tanked. I remember when you guys thumped us in the world cup too. We avenged the loss to you in the next world cup and won the olympics. We dont have best most talented group this yr but we got alot of heart and a coach that wont let them quit. I kinda like being the underdog it keeps the guys hungry. I am sure you guys wont look past the russians as they are suposed to be better than us also. Your little walk in the park against Norway is little more than a chance to pad your stats. We are not Norway you wont be beating us 11-2. You see hockey is our pride, it doesnt matter if its the jrs, the pros or the ladies. Once you put that canadian jersey on your representing a country the cares as much as you guys do for your baseball. We have won when we clearly were not the best team. Ask the soviets of 72. I very much respect the americans skill level. They are very very good but the game still has to be played on the ice. Will we win..... we will need stellar goaltending and everybody doing there jobs to have a chance. Can we win ....sure anything can happen in a 1 game series. I look forward to the challenge we face against you guys and the russians. And as for cheering against you. Why not you and the russians are our biggest obstacle. Let the fun begin. Take that as us respecting your abilities. It truely is a backhanded compliment.

Yeesh. This is gonna be a fun tournament!

I can't wait for till Friday! Great way to pregame up before the night while watching this huge game with a few buds. This is really going to be one of the best games IMO in years...you have the USA which I would give the slight edge on skill on ice, but then you have Canada with the 7th man with the awesome crowd that will be behind them....this is going to be one hell of a game. :handclap: :handclap:

I can't wait for till Friday! Great way to pregame up before the night while watching this huge game with a few buds. This is really going to be one of the best games IMO in years...you have the USA which I would give the slight edge on skill on ice, but then you have Canada with the 7th man with the awesome crowd that will be behind them....this is going to be one hell of a game. :handclap: :handclap:

The game is on Saturday (New Year's Eve)

Jazz > Bumblebee/Goldbug

Jazz+Cliffjumper= Gay Robots

I mean, they were honeymooning on Cybertron's moon (moonbase #1) during the Transformers Movie.

I sure hope you americans realize that playing Canada will not be a picnic. We have an intense pride that sometimes defies logic. The last finals we met, you guys won. Our goaltender tanked. I remember when you guys thumped us in the world cup too. We avenged the loss to you in the next world cup and won the olympics. We dont have best most talented group this yr but we got alot of heart and a coach that wont let them quit. I kinda like being the underdog it keeps the guys hungry. I am sure you guys wont look past the russians as they are suposed to be better than us also. Your little walk in the park against Norway is little more than a chance to pad your stats. We are not Norway you wont be beating us 11-2. You see hockey is our pride, it doesnt matter if its the jrs, the pros or the ladies. Once you put that canadian jersey on your representing a country the cares as much as you guys do for your baseball. We have won when we clearly were not the best team. Ask the soviets of 72. I very much respect the americans skill level. They are very very good but the game still has to be played on the ice. Will we win..... we will need stellar goaltending and everybody doing there jobs to have a chance. Can we win ....sure anything can happen in a 1 game series. I look forward to the challenge we face against you guys and the russians. And as for cheering against you. Why not you and the russians are our biggest obstacle. Let the fun begin. Take that as us respecting your abilities. It truely is a backhanded compliment.

I don't even know where to start with this one so all I'll do is this: :dunce:

That's not even confidence and pride, that's just an over inflated ego of a person who imo comes off as cocky and one that thinks no one else is worthy of the gold medal but Canada. Really, why am I surprised at this? :dunno: I don't care if it's my team that does it, but I hope someone bursts that big ego of yours in this tournament. :shakehead

I can't wait for till Friday! Great way to pregame up before the night while watching this huge game with a few buds. This is really going to be one of the best games IMO in years...you have the USA which I would give the slight edge on skill on ice, but then you have Canada with the 7th man with the awesome crowd that will be behind them....this is going to be one hell of a game. :handclap: :handclap:
I agree. It will be a great game.

I think he can be but it'll take a concentrated team effort to pull it off.It'll be tricky because he's far from the only weapon they've got.Concentrate on him TOO much and while you may take him out of the game the other guys hurt you instead.

Agreed 100%, if you key on kessel and only Kessel, then guys like Schremp,Ryan,Oshie,etc. will kill you. Canada will have as good of a shot as any team at shutting him down, or at least containing the kid. I hope that Cogliano gets to go head to head with him, speed vs. speed!!! When they played against each-other in the NCAA Kessel got the better of Cogs statisticaly, but maybe that'll change this time!!! Canada Vs. USA will be a clash of the titans, hopefully Schremp and Cogliano lead the way for both teams and that it will be as good of a game as we are all hoping for.

Can Kessel, aka "The Lord and Saviour", be stopped?

After watching him play, I don't believe he can be!

Valabik - 6'6 and Mihalik - 6'8 will crush Kessel with one swat!!

The game is on Saturday (New Year's Eve)


Oops, meant Sat.

Can he be stopped? Here are his points scored for each game so far this season:

10/14/05 Alaska-Fairbanks 0 0 0
10/15/05 Alaska-Fairbanks 0 1 1
10/21/05 Minnesota State 1 2 3
10/22/05 Minnesota State 0 0 0
10/28/05 @ St. Cloud State 0 0 0
10/29/05 @ St. Cloud State 1 0 1
11/04/05 @ Minnesota-Duluth 1 0 1
11/05/05 @ Minnesota-Duluth 1 1 2
11/11/05 Alaska-Anchorage 1 4 5
11/12/05 Alaska-Anchorage 0 2 2
11/18/05 @ Denver 1 0 1
11/19/05 @ Denver 0 0 0
11/25/05 @ Michigan 2 1 3
11/26/05 @ Michigan State 0 2 2
12/02/05 Wisconsin 0 0 0
12/03/05 Wisconsin 0 0 0
12/09/05 @ North Dakota 1 0 1
12/10/05 @ North Dakota 0 0 0

It looks like he has been "stopped" (held scoreless) in 7 of his 18 games so far. It's still an awfully impressive freshman season.

I sure hope you americans realize that playing Canada will not be a picnic. We have an intense pride that sometimes defies logic. The last finals we met, you guys won. Our goaltender tanked. I remember when you guys thumped us in the world cup too. We avenged the loss to you in the next world cup and won the olympics. We dont have best most talented group this yr but we got alot of heart and a coach that wont let them quit. I kinda like being the underdog it keeps the guys hungry. I am sure you guys wont look past the russians as they are suposed to be better than us also. Your little walk in the park against Norway is little more than a chance to pad your stats. We are not Norway you wont be beating us 11-2. You see hockey is our pride, it doesnt matter if its the jrs, the pros or the ladies. Once you put that canadian jersey on your representing a country the cares as much as you guys do for your baseball. We have won when we clearly were not the best team. Ask the soviets of 72. I very much respect the americans skill level. They are very very good but the game still has to be played on the ice. Will we win..... we will need stellar goaltending and everybody doing there jobs to have a chance. Can we win ....sure anything can happen in a 1 game series. I look forward to the challenge we face against you guys and the russians. And as for cheering against you. Why not you and the russians are our biggest obstacle. Let the fun begin. Take that as us respecting your abilities. It truely is a backhanded compliment.

:deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse :deadhorse

Valabik - 6'6 and Mihalik - 6'8 will crush Kessel with one swat!!

That's if they don't fall down trying to catch him when they are turning around!

Kessel = Kharlamov V2005?

Kharlamov is up there with Gretskys,Orrs,Lemeuxs :teach:

The better question is: Can the line of Kessel, Bourque, and Porter be stopped? That Bourque's a pisser! Personally, I think the big test for most teams against the U.S. is staying out of the penalty box. The PP looks lethal, especially with Schremp running things.

The better question is: Can the line of Kessel, Bourque, and Porter be stopped? That Bourque's a pisser! Personally, I think the big test for most teams against the U.S. is staying out of the penalty box. The PP looks lethal, especially with Schremp running things.


I desagree on this one. That line is all about Kessel. He is the man , he moves the puck , he creates space. I think if you shut down that superb player --> this line will loose the most firepower.

I desagree on this one. That line is all about Kessel. He is the man , he moves the puck , he creates space. I think if you shut down that superb player --> this line will loose the most firepower.

Perhaps, although Bourque is a nice player in his own right and Porter does alot of the dirty work. You can't discount chemistry as well.

I think it is possible to stop Kessel. It takes just one person to shadow him and throw him off his game. That assignment will either go to Chipchura or Downie. Personally, I'd love to see Downie do it simply because there's a lot of Ken Linseman in him. I could see going into the corner with Kessel and giving Kessel the rub or skating away from the fracas and chirping at Kessel and maybe a love tap on Kessel's stick with Downie's stick. The possibilities are endless.

Besides, the person on the U.S. team who should be feared the most isn't Kessel. It's Robbie Schremp.

The better question is: Can the line of Kessel, Bourque, and Porter be stopped? That Bourque's a pisser! Personally, I think the big test for most teams against the U.S. is staying out of the penalty box. The PP looks lethal, especially with Schremp running things.

The biggest test for most teams will be that Norwegian referee calling a decent game!

Kessel = Kharlamov V2005?
Another Cindy Crosby saga? I thought we already picked the reincarnated great one?

Valabik - 6'6 and Mihalik - 6'8 will crush Kessel with one swat!!


valibik give a commotion last years to kostitsyn , i will not be surprise ....

Valabik - 6'6 and Mihalik - 6'8 will crush Kessel with one swat!!

Kessel - Very, Very Fast.

Valabik & Mihalik - Very Sloooooowww.

The biggest test for most teams will be that Norwegian referee calling a decent game!

He made some errors, but overall he was pretty consistent. The U.S. will take 15 or so power plays every day of the week!

Intimidate Kessel physically and early, he tends to disappear.......particularly on the smaller ice.

Intimidate Kessel physically and early, he tends to disappear.......particularly on the smaller ice.

Really? I've seen him play exceptionally well this year on smaller ice against physically taxing opponents. Kessel doesn't seek out the trenches, but he doesn't suck his thumb when the going gets rough either.

I can't wait for till Friday! Great way to pregame up before the night while watching this huge game with a few buds. This is really going to be one of the best games IMO in years...you have the USA which I would give the slight edge on skill on ice, but then you have Canada with the 7th man with the awesome crowd that will be behind them....this is going to be one hell of a game. :handclap: :handclap:
I think you are spot on here.It's going to be maybe the best hockey game we'll see all year.It has that kind of potential.

Agreed 100%, if you key on kessel and only Kessel, then guys like Schremp,Ryan,Oshie,etc. will kill you. Canada will have as good of a shot as any team at shutting him down, or at least containing the kid. I hope that Cogliano gets to go head to head with him, speed vs. speed!!! When they played against each-other in the NCAA Kessel got the better of Cogs statisticaly, but maybe that'll change this time!!! Canada Vs. USA will be a clash of the titans, hopefully Schremp and Cogliano lead the way for both teams and that it will be as good of a game as we are all hoping for.
I think the things we've going for us in that game is the home crowd factor maybe a goaltending edge and the fact you can see this Team Canada is one hell of a great forechecking team.Add in some nerves on the U.S with that forechecking and i THINK it's possible to beat them.It's going to close if we beat them but i think it can be done.

I don't even know where to start with this one so all I'll do is this: :dunce:

That's not even confidence and pride, that's just an over inflated ego of a person who imo comes off as cocky and one that thinks no one else is worthy of the gold medal but Canada. Really, why am I surprised at this? :dunno: I don't care if it's my team that does it, but I hope someone bursts that big ego of yours in this tournament. :shakehead
I disagree,he brings up valid points about our teams traditionally and this particular version.You WILL be tested in that game.It's not a done deal for your squad either in that game or this tournament.Be ready,don't take anything for granted,i sense a few of your fans are doing that and he's simply brining some of you down to earth,nothing wrong with that IMO.It only comes across as cocky if you believe the U.S can't be beat,like the U.S team is above questioning.I sure hope you are not one of those guys because ANY team can be beat.

I think the things we've going for us in that game is the home crowd factor maybe a goaltending edge and the fact you can see this Team Canada is one hell of a great forechecking team.Add in some nerves on the U.S with that forechecking and i THINK it's possible to beat them.It's going to close if we beat them but i think it can be done.

Hard to say who will be the favorite in that game. I think the U.S. is better "on paper," but Canada is an excellent team that is well-coached and very motivated. IMO, the game will be decided on special teams.

Hard to say who will be the favorite in that game. I think the U.S. is better "on paper," but Canada is an excellent team that is well-coached and very motivated. IMO, the game will be decided on special teams.
Yeah,i think special teams is where the rubber will meet the road too.That brings up some interesting fodder too.Will the aggressive Canadian forecheck end up taking too many penalties of the "bad variety"? some penalties are good penalties but some of the overly agressive type are of the bad variety and if Canada takes too many of them it won't go down good at all.Canada wants to keep it to 5-7 penalties max or they are treading way too dangerous waters.The U.S has more top end offensive talent the Canada this year,that is certain.That's why displine combined with agressiveness will be the key to any chance of beating the U.S.

The game is going to be great.

Maybe a team can shut Kessel down for a small period of time because if they just focus on him, players on his line will kill them, and all the other players will kill them to. USA isnt a 1 line team, Plus it will be hard to shut Kessel down, the guy is really fast you need someone fast and that can hit to try to shut him down but Kessel can hit right back. I dont think he really can be shut down only if you double or tripple team the guy, but then you leave his line mates open.

You see hockey is our pride, it doesnt matter if its the jrs, the pros or the ladies. Once you put that canadian jersey on your representing a country the cares as much as you guys do for your baseball.

Wait, so you are saying the Canadians don't care about hockey? Most Americans I know don't care a lick about baseball, unless they are a Yankees, Cubs, or Red Sox fan. It'd be better to compare it to football.


Sorry, I had to get that anti-baseball message in there.

On a real note, I don't know any American foolish enough to think that Canadians don't love their hockey and take it seriously. You can never count the Canadians out of any event.

Wait, so you are saying the Canadians don't care about hockey? Most Americans I know don't care a lick about baseball, unless they are a Yankees, Cubs, or Red Sox fan. It'd be better to compare it to football.


Sorry, I had to get that anti-baseball message in there.

On a real note, I don't know any American foolish enough to think that Canadians don't love their hockey and take it seriously. You can never count the Canadians out of any event.

Right on Hockey is the main sport for me! But Basketball Baseball and Football are the main sports in the States. I really wish hockey would take off in the in the south states.

I don't even know where to start with this one so all I'll do is this: :dunce:

That's not even confidence and pride, that's just an over inflated ego of a person who imo comes off as cocky and one that thinks no one else is worthy of the gold medal but Canada. Really, why am I surprised at this? :dunno: I don't care if it's my team that does it, but I hope someone bursts that big ego of yours in this tournament. :shakehead

The gentleman that started this thread basically is telling us that your next great phenom cant be stopped. If that isnt arrogent then nothing is. The best under 20 player in the world is not in this tournament. I simply stated that from reading all your ridiculous horse manure about the unstoppable Mr Kessel that it must be a forgone conclusion that not us or the russians (who also has a better player on there roster) can even challenge the great unstoppable Kessel and his band of brothers. You beat the worst team in the tournament and SOME of you started pumping your chests. Ussually i pull for the americans whenever they are not playing us. Last year we had the best team and WE PROVED IT. This year we dont but all i simply stated was that you guys havent won anything yet. If i am perceived as arrogant and cocky by thinking my team will not roll over and die then you misunderstood what i was trying to say. Sorry for crapping in your cornflakes.

And one more small thing if you really think Kessel is better than Crosby,Malkin or Ovechkin then your going to be very dissapointed in the not to distant future. Even those three can be "stopped" so this Kessel kid must be superman.

I disagree,he brings up valid points about our teams traditionally and this particular version.You WILL be tested in that game.It's not a done deal for your squad either in that game or this tournament.Be ready,don't take anything for granted,i sense a few of your fans are doing that and he's simply brining some of you down to earth,nothing wrong with that IMO.It only comes across as cocky if you believe the U.S can't be beat,like the U.S team is above questioning.I sure hope you are not one of those guys because ANY team can be beat.

Thanks cyclops ...i really wasnt trying to diss the americans at all. I just dont believe Mr Kessel is unstoppable.

What a stupid thread. Of course Kessel can be stopped. Just look at Ovechkin in the Gold Medal game last year ... although it was easier to key on AO then it will be to focus on Kessel. USA has a deeper team then Russia had last year and Canada was better as well.

There seems to be a lot of hype after one game, but Norway is the weakest team in this tournament. I'm glad that fans cheered for them because they are really in tough against the teams at this level. (That is not an endorsement for booing the USA.)

Hard to say who will be the favorite in that game. I think the U.S. is better "on paper," but Canada is an excellent team that is well-coached and very motivated. IMO, the game will be decided on special teams.

It will be a great game RR nice to see someone that hasnt got an over inflated
opinion of 1 blowout. Ive read and agreed with many of your posts about Kessel. He will go first overall and deservingly so. Do you think he is " unstoppable "? It seems i am an arrogent jerk because i dont. I think the whole line will definately give us fits. I havent even said we or the russians will beat you guys. I just said our players have a history of rising to the occasion. On paper you guys do have the edge. We would need a great game out of Pogge or we will lose. Like all championships it will come down to who wants it more. What team digs deepest. We both shouldnt discount the russians.

It will be a great game RR nice to see someone that hasnt got an over inflated
opinion of 1 blowout. Ive read and agreed with many of your posts about Kessel. He will go first overall and deservingly so. Do you think he is " unstoppable "? It seems i am an arrogent jerk because i dont. I think the whole line will definately give us fits. I havent even said we or the russians will beat you guys. I just said our players have a history of rising to the occasion. On paper you guys do have the edge. We would need a great game out of Pogge or we will lose. Like all championships it will come down to who wants it more. What team digs deepest. We both shouldnt discount the russians.

To answer your question: No, Phil Kessel is not unstoppable. Not even close. The U.S. power play on the other hand.... ;)

It will be a great game RR nice to see someone that hasnt got an over inflated
opinion of 1 blowout. Ive read and agreed with many of your posts about Kessel. He will go first overall and deservingly so. Do you think he is " unstoppable "? It seems i am an arrogent jerk because i dont. I think the whole line will definately give us fits. I havent even said we or the russians will beat you guys. I just said our players have a history of rising to the occasion. On paper you guys do have the edge. We would need a great game out of Pogge or we will lose. Like all championships it will come down to who wants it more. What team digs deepest. We both shouldnt discount the russians.

It will come down to defensive play/goaltending as it always does. You don't always have to have the best players to be the best team and your goalie can make a difference. Look at what happened in the finals 2 years ago as an example when Fleury colapsed and Montoya played well enough to allow his team to take over in the third.

Thanks cyclops ...i really wasnt trying to diss the americans at all. I just dont believe Mr Kessel is unstoppable.
No problem,i knew you were'nt trying to diss them and there is nothing wrong with bringing up historical parts of our game that tend to make it difficult for the opposition.You can already tell this team has those hallmarks,does'nt mean they will win but it sure as hell does mean they are capable of winning and shutting teams and stars down if they bring their total "A" team game.

To answer your question: No, Phil Kessel is not unstoppable. Not even close. The U.S. power play on the other hand.... ;)

Agreed
I am a little more worried about Bourque. If the team pays too much attention to Kessel he will burn us. Also being an Oiler fan i have seen first hand what Schremp can do on the PP. Yikes.....best we just try to stay out of the box. We must be agressive but disciplined.

It will come down to defensive play/goaltending as it always does. You don't always have to have the best players to be the best team and your goalie can make a difference. Look at what happened in the finals 2 years ago as an example when Fleury colapsed and Montoya played well enough to allow his team to take over in the third.

And last year i think the americans suffered the same goalie meltdown. Kessel definately showed flashes but i was most impressed with Bourque. Didnt he get injured and left their playoff game early last yr ? He definately has his dads passion for the game. Wait till AO has him as a team mate.

To answer your question: No, Phil Kessel is not unstoppable. Not even close. The U.S. power play on the other hand.... ;)

Robbie Schremp looks like a duck in water on the PP, the guy is a PP dynamo!!! The key for Canada to beat the US would be to play physical,smart (minimize penalties), and have out-standing goaltending. I truly believe that Goaltending is the USA's weakness.

I think that there are three things that can be said to end this thread....

1. Kessel can be stopped.. its just a matter of if they do it

2. USA does have a deeper team... Canada has the Extra Man ie. the crowd

3. Its gonna be one hell of a game on new years eve

Oh yeah we gotta find a name to call the game somethin like the thrilla in vanilla if ya know where im tryin to go here....

Kessel who? He was quite invisible against Finland, Ryan is one who is much harder to stop. Even the horrible defense of finland, and the vast amount of PP they got, Kessel was not one of their top 5 forwards in the game.

I am not saying he is bad, just not up to the hype just yet. Maybe he will get better against Canada.

You WILL be tested in that game.It's not a done deal for your squad either in that game or this tournament.Be ready,don't take anything for granted,i sense a few of your fans are doing that and he's simply brining some of you down to earth,nothing wrong with that IMO.It only comes across as cocky if you believe the U.S can't be beat,like the U.S team is above questioning.I sure hope you are not one of those guys because ANY team can be beat.

And I'm sure you WILL be tested also. I'm definitely not one of the people who think no one can beat my team. I want to see them work hard and play the best they can, if a gold medal comes out of that I will be extremely proud.

Right on Hockey is the main sport for me! But Basketball Baseball and Football are the main sports in the States. I really wish hockey would take off in the in the south states.

Same for me. With baseball second, and football third. I draw the line there. How pathetic is it that nascar is bigger than hockey? I swear I could rant all freaking day about that pathetic excuse of a "sport." And yes I need to use quotes because anyone that calls THAT a sport should get run over by one of those cars. :joker:

The gentleman that started this thread basically is telling us that your next great phenom cant be stopped. If that isnt arrogent then nothing is. The best under 20 player in the world is not in this tournament. I simply stated that from reading all your ridiculous horse manure about the unstoppable Mr Kessel that it must be a forgone conclusion that not us or the russians (who also has a better player on there roster) can even challenge the great unstoppable Kessel and his band of brothers. You beat the worst team in the tournament and SOME of you started pumping your chests. Ussually i pull for the americans whenever they are not playing us. Last year we had the best team and WE PROVED IT. This year we dont but all i simply stated was that you guys havent won anything yet. If i am perceived as arrogant and cocky by thinking my team will not roll over and die then you misunderstood what i was trying to say. Sorry for crapping in your cornflakes.

That was an asinine comment to begin with, I didn't even take my time to comment on it. Anyone can be stopped, Kessel is no exception.

On the part I put in bold, we know we haven't won anything yet, but maybe you guys should keep that mentality too in all the international tournaments that you all basically proclaim yourselves the gold medal winners before anything is decided. I see it every time. That's my only problem when it comes to these tournaments, it leaves such a bad taste in my mouth against Canada and I hate that.

And one more small thing if you really think Kessel is better than Crosby,Malkin or Ovechkin then your going to be very dissapointed in the not to distant future. Even those three can be "stopped" so this Kessel kid must be superman.

I hope that wasn't directed at me. :biglaugh:

I am not saying he is bad, just not up to the hype just yet. Maybe he will get better against Canada.

I'm so tired of all the extreme hype put on some of these guys, like Kessel this year. Just shut up and let them play.

After watching Kessel again last night for about the 7th or 8th time, I will say that next game I predict Kessel will come in on a 1 on 1 probably about 3 times, and try the outside-inside move everytime, and maybe get the puck through each team, but should be stopped if the defense is at all competent.

I don't get the hype about this guy frankly, I'm thinking Chara will stop that move everytime.

Dustin rose could skate circles around kessel while sleepin with his momma!

Well once again Kessel looms large, I often wondered when all the discussion over this player would die down but that is unlikely to happen.

A few objective points about Kessel.

What he is not

- a once in a generational talent ala Crosby.

- the best potential American player ever

- Head and shoulders over every other 06 draft eligible player


What he is

- a dynamic offensive player who if given the space can crack a game wide open

- a lethal PP specialist

- a pin point shooter who possesses a wicked wrister

- a potential NHL all-star

Can Kessel be stopped? What a ridiculous question. Any player can be stopped. Look what the London Knights did to Crosby in the Memorial Cup final.

Well once again Kessel looms large, I often wondered when all the discussion over this player would die down but that is unlikely to happen.

A few objective points about Kessel.

What he is not

- a once in a generational talent ala Crosby.

- the best potential American player ever

- Head and shoulders over every other 06 draft eligible player


What he is

- a dynamic offensive player who if given the space can crack a game wide open

- a lethal PP specialist

- a pin point shooter who possesses a wicked wrister

- a potential NHL all-star

Can Kessel be stopped? What a ridiculous question. Any player can be stopped. Look what the London Knights did to Crosby in the Memorial Cup final.


Have we switched bodies this morning? I totally agree!

Have we switched bodies this morning? I totally agree!


I believe my position on Kessel has been consistant for quite some time. Perhaps yours has changed?

I believe my position on Kessel has been consistant for quite some time. Perhaps yours has changed?


Well, I never anointed him the golden child, but my enthusiasm has been tempered by reality. I still think he'll be the number one pick, and that's an accomplishment, especially for an American hockey player.

Of course he can be stopped!

A few objective points about Kessel.

What he is not
- a once in a generational talent ala Crosby.


Well yeah, neither is Crosby. People toss out that term *way* too easily.


- the best potential American player ever


To be fair, while remote, that's still theoretically possible. *Someone* is going to come along and be the best American ever. It's just natural progress.

Well yeah, neither is Crosby. People toss out that term *way* too easily.

To me, so far he looks like a generational talent. In juniors as a 16 and 17 year old, he put up points like no one in the history of the CHL (especially in relation to his competition) and won the CHL player of the year in both years he played (something else that has never been done). Gretzky outpointed him at 16 (but still didn't win his league's scoring title, probably mostly because the draft age was 20 at the time) and played in the WHA at 17. You could potentially argue that Lindros was a better junior player than him (he was definitely a better prospect at the same age becasue of his size), but none of Canada's other so called generational talents since Lindros can compare to him at a junior level (at least I don't see how you can logically rank anyone over him). Lindros is 14 years older than Crosby, which is a generation in hockey.

At the NHL level, I don't think any 18 year old rookie has led his team in points since Yzerman 22 years ago, and it looks like Crosby has more than a good chance of doing that this year, even surrounded by a cast of name players. Maybe he won't improve terribly much and be the one and only dominant offensive player in the NHL, but from everything he's shown so far in his career, he is a generational talent. At least he's shown for me that I can't say he's not a generational talent at this point.

At the same stage of their career as Crosby, who would you consider, or who have you considered a generational talent? Or do you wait until they've reached a dominating status before you call them a generational talent (like how Gretzky, Lemieux, and Jagr dominated the Art Ross)? If you do wait, I agree that you should wait, so you don't annoint guys like Spezza or Schremp generational talents at 14, or guys like Cleary and Samsonov generational talents at 15, but at 18, Crosby is producing and playing in the NHL like very, very few before him.

And I'm sure you WILL be tested also. I'm definitely not one of the people who think no one can beat my team. I want to see them work hard and play the best they can, if a gold medal comes out of that I will be extremely proud.



Same for me. With baseball second, and football third. I draw the line there. How pathetic is it that nascar is bigger than hockey? I swear I could rant all freaking day about that pathetic excuse of a "sport." And yes I need to use quotes because anyone that calls THAT a sport should get run over by one of those cars. :joker:

Thats funny because my roommate who is canadian eats sleeps and breathes NASCAR.

That was an asinine comment to begin with, I didn't even take my time to comment on it. Anyone can be stopped, Kessel is no exception.

On the part I put in bold, we know we haven't won anything yet, but maybe you guys should keep that mentality too in all the international tournaments that you all basically proclaim yourselves the gold medal winners before anything is decided. I see it every time. That's my only problem when it comes to these tournaments, it leaves such a bad taste in my mouth against Canada and I hate that.

Accually since the world cup i for one havent thought we would automatically win anything.


I hope that wasn't directed at me. :biglaugh:

Nope just thinking how great this kid must become to be considered "non stopable". Hell maybe he will be better then those guys. But as you said ...way to much hype on these kids on these boards.

Have we switched bodies this morning? I totally agree!

im surprised you agree with this guy. Consdiering you do everything in your power to say only good things about him, and try to convince the hockey world he belongs with the same breath as Crosby.

im surprised you agree with this guy. Consdiering you do everything in your power to say only good things about him, and try to convince the hockey world he belongs with the same breath as Crosby.


Really? Show me where's I've said he belongs in the same breath as Crosby. I've said all along he's a notch below Crosby and Ovechkin. People like you can't see the forest for the trees, so I'm not surprised you only see/read what you want to believe. I think Kessel is the class of this year's draft and is the best American forward prospect since Mike Modano. That is all.

Thanks cyclops ...i really wasnt trying to diss the americans at all. I just dont believe Mr Kessel is unstoppable.

No one is "unstoppable". The problem is, he's not the only person on the US team they need to worry about. Oshie, Ryan, and Wheeler all look "NHL ready" and are having an excellent tournament so far.

That said, Kessel is pretty electric, I almost wish the Sharks were in last place this season. He's faster than a Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, and shiftier than slipsand mid flight, with a wicked unforgiving release and dazzling moves he can be heart stopper on the PP.

Kessel, coupled with the Moose on the US blueline and a laundry list of first rounders, I'll just say I'm glad I'm not Brent Sutter right now.

To me, so far he looks like a generational talent. In juniors as a 16 and 17 year old, he put up points like no one in the history of the CHL (especially in relation to his competition) and won the CHL player of the year in both years he played (something else that has never been done). Gretzky outpointed him at 16 (but still didn't win his league's scoring title, probably mostly because the draft age was 20 at the time) and played in the WHA at 17. You could potentially argue that Lindros was a better junior player than him (he was definitely a better prospect at the same age becasue of his size), but none of Canada's other so called generational talents since Lindros can compare to him at a junior level (at least I don't see how you can logically rank anyone over him). Lindros is 14 years older than Crosby, which is a generation in hockey.

At the NHL level, I don't think any 18 year old rookie has led his team in points since Yzerman 22 years ago, and it looks like Crosby has more than a good chance of doing that this year, even surrounded by a cast of name players. Maybe he won't improve terribly much and be the one and only dominant offensive player in the NHL, but from everything he's shown so far in his career, he is a generational talent. At least he's shown for me that I can't say he's not a generational talent at this point.

At the same stage of their career as Crosby, who would you consider, or who have you considered a generational talent? Or do you wait until they've reached a dominating status before you call them a generational talent (like how Gretzky, Lemieux, and Jagr dominated the Art Ross)? If you do wait, I agree that you should wait, so you don't annoint guys like Spezza or Schremp generational talents at 14, or guys like Cleary and Samsonov generational talents at 15, but at 18, Crosby is producing and playing in the NHL like very, very few before him.

Way too insightful. You see, the problem is - people around these parts made a decision a few years ago. Either buy the hype that this whiz kid from the East Coast that is tearing up every league he plays in, and is very special - or decide arbitrarily that he is overhyped and not all that good. Now to this day, people are bound by those decisions. And no matter how many jaw dropping highlights, record breaking numbers or league championships they see him earn - they still feel compelled to downplay everything he has accomplished just to try make other feel that they were right.

Can Kessel, aka "The Lord and Saviour", be stopped?

After watching him play, I don't believe he can be!

You either don't watch hockey or your clueless. Take your pick.

Every player can be stopped, if you don't know that, you can't be helped. No player ever in any sport dominated every single game or match he played. Get that straight!

Also Kessel is not the fastest ever, you guys go off the face of the planet with the hype, its beyond ridiculous, Crosby Crosby Crosby, Kessel Kessel Kessel, the obsessive nature has to stop.

You either don't watch hockey or your clueless. Take your pick.

Every player can be stopped, if you don't know that, you can't be helped. No player ever in any sport dominated every single game or match he played. Get that straight!

Also Kessel is not the fastest ever, you guys go off the the face of the planet with the hype, its beyond ridiculous, Crosby Crosby Crosby, Kessel Kessel Kessel, the obsessive nature has to stop.

So I take it someone else is on board to kill the hype machine? excellent.

Either buy the hype that this whiz kid from the East Coast that is tearing up every league he plays in, and is very special - or decide arbitrarily that he is overhyped and not all that good.

That's a false choice. Those are not the only two choices here, it could just be that Crosby is an excellent player, in between the two extremes you paint. Crosby isn't even the concensus rookie of the year. There's going to be a ton of votes for Ovechkin, Phaneuf, Lundqvist, etc. These players aren't "generational" if there's so many around.

Yes, the rookie class is stronger than usual because of the lockout, but I just don't see the absolute domination of the league like Gretzky and to a slightly lesser extent, Lemieux. For that reason, I don't think the term "generational talent" applies.

Psst. London won the championship last year, not Rimouski. :)

Crosby is playing as well as... I dunno, one or two 18 years olds have EVER done. Ever. In the history of the league. It's harder to dominate these days than it was when Gretzky broke in, in a league diluted by expansion and containing fraction of the overseas talent we have now. And the other Calder contenders are 20 and up, and the class of elite 20+yo rookies that have lit up the league is far less exclusive than the 18yo rookies. Crosby is looking pretty generational. We'll see though.

Ryan Parent provided a fine example on how it should be done.

So Kessel was stopped today, argument over!

Nice Move Kid, Too bad its your only one

Kessel is a fine talent, but he needs a few more moves other than trying to beat d-men 1 on 1. I'm sure he eats crappy d-men alive, but good defenders will have him figured out in no time. If Team Canada Jr. d-men stop him so easily, he needs more moves for the NHL.

I'm not saying he isn't worthy of being a top pick next year, but that he is nowhere near the Ovechkins or Crosbys. Too one-dimensional.

Since the last WJC, I've wondered if Kessel had another move. He must, though, dontcha' think? Otherwise, why the hype?

You can bet that Parent was making this point to PK himself.

Yeah Kessel can't beat 5 people by himself. Ah well, at least he's still the obvious odds on favorite to go #1 overall.

Yeah Kessel can't beat 5 people by himself. Ah well, at least he's still the obvious odds on favorite to go #1 overall.


Actually he couldn't beat one guy by himself, that one guys name was Ryan Parent.

Actually he couldn't beat one guy by himself, that one guys name was Ryan Parent.

:teach: :D

Yeah Kessel can't beat 5 people by himself. Ah well, at least he's still the obvious odds on favorite to go #1 overall.
And that really helps USA win the WJC or shows his one-on-one skill :loony:

That's a false choice. Those are not the only two choices here, it could just be that Crosby is an excellent player, in between the two extremes you paint. Crosby isn't even the concensus rookie of the year. There's going to be a ton of votes for Ovechkin, Phaneuf, Lundqvist, etc. These players aren't "generational" if there's so many around.

Yes, the rookie class is stronger than usual because of the lockout, but I just don't see the absolute domination of the league like Gretzky and to a slightly lesser extent, Lemieux. For that reason, I don't think the term "generational talent" applies.

Psst. London won the championship last year, not Rimouski. :)

London won the Q too? They must be good. I'm not going to make excuses for Crosby, but you have to consider the fact that Crosby is a lot younger than the other rookies in the race. Ovechkin will deservidly win the Calder at this rate, but Crosby is doing what 18 year olds never do. And he's scoring at a better clip than Lemieux in his rookie year.

And that really helps USA win the WJC or shows his one-on-one skill :loony:

Never said, that. I'm just impressed by the few games he's shined in. I'd never seen him before this tournament as I missed last years WJC. No doubt he looks every bit the #1 overall he's been projected.

That all said, this tournament is far from over. Tonight was a wake up call. I'm thinking the US team stomps their remaining opponents now.

That all said, this tournament is far from over. Tonight was a wake up call.
And tieing Switzerland wasn't?

And tieing Switzerland wasn't?

Nah that's what made the US tired for tonight. Switzerland losing a nail biter to Canada was their wake up call -- hence why the game was so tough for the US.

Well, after tonights game, I think the answer to this thread is....yes he can be stopped...happy new years... :handclap: :handclap: :handclap: :handclap:

Switzerland losing a nail biter to Canada was their wake up call -- hence why the game was so tough for the US.
A wake up call for Switzerland.
You've gotta be joking.

Yes, Staal and Parent did the job with much ease if you ask me.

Nah that's what made the US tired for tonight. Switzerland losing a nail biter to Canada was their wake up call -- hence why the game was so tough for the US.
Wow :help:

To stop a certain star player, it doesn't matter who it is you lay the body and you play man to man defence. I thought they would lay the body more to Kessel but Canada did a great job.

Kessel is a fantastic talent and if he is going to be the star player that everyone thinks we will be he has to learn from tonights game.

Nah that's what made the US tired for tonight. Switzerland losing a nail biter to Canada was their wake up call -- hence why the game was so tough for the US.
Hmmm...the Americans might wanna be careful in the quarter-final.
The Czechs just got their wake up call from the Russians tonight.
:sarcasm:

Yep, the Saskatoon Blades might want to rethink their position on Anton Khuodobin...he stunk on the regular season, but damn, he is one damn fine goaltender when he wants to be.

I wonder how many of his moves will work against NHL defenceman.

I wonder how many of his moves will work against NHL defenceman.
That's what I thought after watching today's game.

No doubt, Phil Kessel's an offensive dynamo, but if I had the No 1 pick, I'd rather use the pick then take Kessel. If there's that much of a seperation between Kessel and Towes, I'd trade down to No 2 and pick Towes.

Kessel>>Taves ^

Kessel>>Taves ^
I don't know who Taves is, but he's talking about Toews. ;)

Never said, that. I'm just impressed by the few games he's shined in. I'd never seen him before this tournament as I missed last years WJC. No doubt he looks every bit the #1 overall he's been projected.

That all said, this tournament is far from over. Tonight was a wake up call. I'm thinking the US team stomps their remaining opponents now.
i don';t think that team is capable of stomping any team they meet from here on in and certainly not us.You're way off my friend,they are NOT what they were billed going into this tourney at all.Are they still a good team? for sure,are they world beaters who can stomp on the Canada,Russia and Czechs of the world? no way.

They are in tough from here on in.

Never said, that. I'm just impressed by the few games he's shined in. I'd never seen him before this tournament as I missed last years WJC. No doubt he looks every bit the #1 overall he's been projected.

That all said, this tournament is far from over. Tonight was a wake up call. I'm thinking the US team stomps their remaining opponents now.

I think the last 2 games have shown some cracks in the U.S. armour

Yeah Kessel can't beat 5 people by himself. Ah well, at least he's still the obvious odds on favorite to go #1 overall.

Thats part of the problem, the US never plays like a team, he has so many options but he rather skate to the outside and lose the puck. He has skill, but he's not a smart player at all.