Kessel's struggling mightily too, I don't think a single person is debating that. But what are our options? Sprong? Does anyone realistically think Sprong being slotted into a scoring line role and getting power play time six games into the post season is a scenario that's even remotely possible? Especially with Sully?
If Phil can play, he's going to play. He would have to be incapacitated to sit, and even then, I doubt Sprong is the first guy on the list. As long as Phil has the ability to change the game with one shot--and he does, hobbled or not--he'll be in the lineup, for better or worse.
Just like Letang, whose ailment is that he's just f***ing dumb, not injured. He's playing regardless.