Kessel is not even on the same planet as Crosby!!

[tsar]

rofls what? Ryan, Oshie, Wheeler, Mueller, Schremp, and Bourque ring any bells?

Besides Norway game did anyone notice kassel? I’m watching third team USA game and shoot me in the foot I can’t see where the flop this guy is? Obviously not on the same level media wants him to be.. Another Crosby in making?

 

[Jet]

it's obvious that Kessel is a one dimensional player... if he tries any of those grade school moves in the NHL he'll be crushed. The team that picks him in the first round with be very dissapointed.

 

[KariyaIsGod*]

Good point, clearly he's insecure. The reality of Toews going second to Kessel makes it too much for him to bare. He's beside himself with despair.

Or maybe he's just responding to the idiotic Kessel hype machine we've seen invade these boards recently.

 

[KariyaIsGod*]

Besides Norway game did anyone notice kassel? I’m watching third team USA game and shoot me in the foot I can’t see where the flop this guy is? Obviously not on the same level media wants him to be.. Another Crosby in making?

What?

Crosby has been every bit as good as advertised. Typical homerish anti-Crosby post though, considering your name I'm not surprised.

I tihnk nif Kessel becomes another Crosby, he and whatever team that drafts him will be overjoyed.

 

[reidy]

Um... has anyone pointed out the fact that Kessel has already scored more points in this WJC than God, er, I mean Crosby scored last year? And wasn't last year's Canadian team stocked with 18 future HOFers? You'd think he'd have out-scored the over-rated and predictable Kessel in what is said to be their respective coming out party, wouldn't you?

Honestly, what did you expect of the kid? Should he be scoring 5 pts per game, ala Crosby in the Q last season? These are some of the best U-20 players in the world, not soft French Canadians.

The kid's the real deal. If he was Canadian you people wouldn't stop praising him, but seeing as he is an American, he's over-rated. Condescend much?

 

[Daily Special]

Um... has anyone pointed out the fact that Kessel has already scored more points in this WJC than God, er, I mean Crosby scored last year? And wasn't last year's Canadian team stocked with 18 future HOFers? You'd think he'd have out-scored the over-rated and predictable Kessel in what is said to be their respective coming out party, wouldn't you?

Honestly, what did you expect of the kid? Should he be scoring 5 pts per game, ala Crosby in the Q last season? These are some of the best U-20 players in the world, not soft French Canadians.

The kid's the real deal. If he was Canadian you people wouldn't stop praising him, but seeing as he is an American, he's over-rated. Condescend much?

 

[jaydub*]

Um... has anyone pointed out the fact that Kessel has already scored more points in this WJC than God, er, I mean Crosby scored last year? And wasn't last year's Canadian team stocked with 18 future HOFers? You'd think he'd have out-scored the over-rated and predictable Kessel in what is said to be their respective coming out party, wouldn't you?

Honestly, what did you expect of the kid? Should he be scoring 5 pts per game, ala Crosby in the Q last season? These are some of the best U-20 players in the world, not soft French Canadians.

The kid's the real deal. If he was Canadian you people wouldn't stop praising him, but seeing as he is an American, he's over-rated. Condescend much?

But Kessel got points against weak opponents!!! Those don't count
The great Crosby only gets points against the strongest of opponents. Thats how good he is. But not quite as good as Toews, who is so good he doesn't score at all

 

[Rabid Ranger]

But Kessel got points against weak opponents!!! Those don't count
The great Crosby only gets point against the strongest of opponents. Thats how good he is. But not quite as good as Toews, who is so good he doesn't score at all

But wait, it's all about the intangibles! I bet Toews is a great interview..........

 

[Stuy]

I'm glad im no the only one who see's these things. After all the hype I wa starting to wonder if I was completely oblivious to the to the reason why Kessel is talked about so much. And Toews as well. IMO If I had the first overall pick. I wouldn't take either and go with EJ. Now he's got some potential.

Kessel has blazing speed with grade school moves. He has one goal in the Tourny and plays for a team that had a 11-2 blow out game. I'm sorry he could easy prove me wrong but right now I see nothing but a second or third liner potential for this guy. Same goes for Toews.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I'm glad im no the only one who see's these things. After all the hype I wa starting to wonder if I was completely oblivious to the to the reason why Kessel is talked about so much. And Toews as well. IMO If I had the first overall pick. I wouldn't take either and go with EJ. Now he's got some potential.

Kessel has blazing speed with grade school moves. He has one goal in the Tourny and plays for a team that had a 11-2 blow out game. I'm sorry he could easy prove me wrong but right now I see nothing but a second or third liner potential for this guy. Same goes for Toews.

Which is why you're an armchair quarterback and not a pro scout.

 

[God Bless Canada]

Um... has anyone pointed out the fact that Kessel has already scored more points in this WJC than God, er, I mean Crosby scored last year? And wasn't last year's Canadian team stocked with 18 future HOFers? You'd think he'd have out-scored the over-rated and predictable Kessel in what is said to be their respective coming out party, wouldn't you?

Honestly, what did you expect of the kid? Should he be scoring 5 pts per game, ala Crosby in the Q last season? These are some of the best U-20 players in the world, not soft French Canadians.

The kid's the real deal. If he was Canadian you people wouldn't stop praising him, but seeing as he is an American, he's over-rated. Condescend much?

One big difference: Kessel is 18. Crosby was 17 last year. You might not think much of it, but when you're a teenage hockey player, one year of development makes a world of difference. There is only two months separating the two. Thus, comparing Kessel this year to Crosby last year is unfair. Comparing Kessel last year to Crosby last year is a much more apt comparison.

It's not like Kessel has played poorly, he's not Guillame Latendresse, but I don't think his play has met expectations. When comparing his play last year to his play this year, it hasn't taken that much of a step forward, not as much as I've seen from other elite players at that age in the past.

 

[Daily Special]

^

 

[Rabid Ranger]

One big difference: Kessel is 18. Crosby was 17 last year. You might not think much of it, but when you're a teenage hockey player, one year of development makes a world of difference. There is only two months separating the two. Thus, comparing Kessel this year to Crosby last year is unfair. Comparing Kessel last year to Crosby last year is a much more apt comparison.

It's not like Kessel has played poorly, he's not Guillame Latendresse, but I don't think his play has met expectations. When comparing his play last year to his play this year, it hasn't taken that much of a step forward, not as much as I've seen from other elite players at that age in the past.

He leads the tournament in scoring, what more of a step forward could he make?

 

[espo*]

One big difference: Kessel is 18. Crosby was 17 last year. You might not think much of it, but when you're a teenage hockey player, one year of development makes a world of difference. There is only two months separating the two. Thus, comparing Kessel this year to Crosby last year is unfair. Comparing Kessel last year to Crosby last year is a much more apt comparison.

It's not like Kessel has played poorly, he's not Guillame Latendresse, but I don't think his play has met expectations. When comparing his play last year to his play this year, it hasn't taken that much of a step forward, not as much as I've seen from other elite players at that age in the past.

kessel is also the go to guy on this team and Crosby had to defer to Getzlaf,Carter,...kessel sees way more ice time then Crosby last year and get's all the PP time he can handle.5 of his points were against an outmatched Norway squad,no big deal there..If people are watching the games and watched the games last year they can see Crosby was a better player last year.

 

[Daily Special]

One big difference: Kessel is 18. Crosby was 17 last year. You might not think much of it, but when you're a teenage hockey player, one year of development makes a world of difference. There is only two months separating the two. Thus, comparing Kessel this year to Crosby last year is unfair. Comparing Kessel last year to Crosby last year is a much more apt comparison.

It's not like Kessel has played poorly, he's not Guillame Latendresse, but I don't think his play has met expectations. When comparing his play last year to his play this year, it hasn't taken that much of a step forward, not as much as I've seen from other elite players at that age in the past.

On a fatigued US team Kessel's been the only one generating offense regularly, and has managed to lead the WJC's in scoring as THN predicted. Fortunately, scouts see that for what it is, and not the skewed bias you're spewing..

 

[VanCanuck]

kessel is good, very good. no doubt about it. sure the canadians favor crosby. but that's pretty normal, don't you think? let's see how kessel will do in the nhl than compare him with sid. crosby is the best canadian junior since the great one or mario but let's say kessel is - the next one- for the americans.

 

[markov`]

Kessel may be flashier, but Sidney Crosby is a much better hockey player. Wait untill Kessel hits the NHL, don't expect him to score 1 point per game like Crosby does...

 

[Daily Special]

Kessel may be flashier, but Sidney Crosby is a much better hockey player. Wait untill Kessel hits the NHL, don't expect him to score 1 point per game like Crosby does...

Modano and LaFontaine didn't seem to have that problem, the two most compared with Kessel.

 

[espo*]

kessel is good, very good. no doubt about it. sure the canadians favor crosby. but that's pretty normal, don't you think? let's see how kessel will do in the nhl than compare him with sid. crosby is the best canadian junior since the great one or mario but let's say kessel is - the next one- for the americans.

That's a good point.For the Americans he is their next great prospect,probably the best since Modano.He does have the wheels and the stick-handling and the shot.He should be very good when he get's going in the nhl.

 

[Anksun]

Not having a lot of opportunities to watch the kid, this tournament (even if i think he can do a lot better) have actually made me sure about Kessel been the no.1 pick. Or at least, he got what is needed to be one, Toews and especially Johnson might be picked before him because of needs but the team that would get Kessel at 2 or 3 because of that will be a very lucky lottery looser imo...

His offensive potential is insane.
____

With that said, he's not in Crosby league. I always though he was not from the start but even if this very tournament is actually helping me to like this player more, it is also reassuring me he's no Crosby.

The vision alone send them both in different stratospheres. With that said, the points difference might not be that different in a few years down the road between those 2, but the most complete player is Crosby. He might already be more complete than Kessel will ever be (although this kid offensive potential is still very high).

One last thing on Kessel. The 2nd difference between those 2 players (with the vision) and it's in direct relation: Kessel will need a good playmaker to reach his ultimate potential, Crosby is a player that will helps other reach their ultimate potential.

No problem with that, Kessel will be very good. I'd be afraid of this team if this kid was going to land in Pittsburgh because Kessel would have all he needs in the world to developt at his very best.

 

[reidy]

Hey, I'm not saying he's going to be the next Crosby. Let's look at who IS saying that; hopelessly optimistic Americans who need something to lay their hats on.

But in my short time reading this forum, you'd think Kessel had done nothing at all. I've watched every US game, and he's been, IMO, the best player on the ice. The knock on him going into the tournament is that he could only score goals, not create them. In this tournament, he's proved all who said that wrong by making Chris Bourque look like Brett Hull, setting up I believe all of his goals. So, naturally, the new knock on him is that he can't score, which is BS. Those scouts comparing his release with that of Hull's aren't far off; he can score 50-60 goals in the new NHL, IMO.

And to those of you who talk about the Norway game; yeah, he scored 5 points in that game. Shouldn't he be scoring more goals against weaker competition? If you watched the game, he wasn't double-shifting like he is doing now, and still managed to rack up impressive numbers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Sidney Godsby DID play against Sweden (outcome : 8-1) and GERMANY (9-0) last year.

And to whomever compared their ages; true, but this is Kessel's first true season playing against elite competition night in and night out. In the NTDP, he was often playing against over-matched US Junior squads. Crosby had 2 years of seasoning against better-than-average players, and only managed to score 9 points last year. And please, please, please don't defer to the Getzlaf / Barker argument. Where are either of those guys now? Crosby is the NHLer who has more points that Bergeron this year, he should have lead that team in scoring. I think it's safe to say he under-performed last year.

Look, I'm just trying to show Kessel some support here. The anti-Kessel bias on this forum is ridiculous, and I think it's coming from one area; Canada. IMO, Canadians are none too pleased they don't have the #1, or even #2 or #3 top draft-eligible talent for the first time in a long time, and they are taking every opportunity to bash Kessel, to knock him down a notch. He IS going to be a very good NHL player, possibly a superstar. He's faster and more explosive than either AO or Sid, but is he more complete? At this stage, definitely not. Could he be some day? You bet. And this alone drives Canadian fans crazy.

 

[espo*]

Hey, I'm not saying he's going to be the next Crosby. Let's look at who IS saying that; hopelessly optimistic Americans who need something to lay their hats on.

But in my short time reading this forum, you'd think Kessel had done nothing at all. I've watched every US game, and he's been, IMO, the best player on the ice. The knock on him going into the tournament is that he could only score goals, not create them. In this tournament, he's proved all who said that wrong by making Chris Bourque look like Brett Hull, setting up I believe all of his goals. So, naturally, the new knock on him is that he can't score, which is BS. Those scouts comparing his release with that of Hull's aren't far off; he can score 50-60 goals in the new NHL, IMO.

And to those of you who talk about the Norway game; yeah, he scored 5 points in that game. Shouldn't he be scoring more goals against weaker competition? If you watched the game, he wasn't double-shifting like he is doing now, and still managed to rack up impressive numbers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Sidney Godsby DID play against Sweden (outcome : 8-1) and GERMANY (9-0) last year.

And to whomever compared their ages; true, but this is Kessel's first true season playing against elite competition night in and night out. In the NTDP, he was often playing against over-matched US Junior squads. Crosby had 2 years of seasoning against better-than-average players, and only managed to score 9 points last year. And please, please, please don't defer to the Getzlaf / Barker argument. Where are either of those guys now? Crosby is the NHLer who has more points that Bergeron this year, he should have lead that team in scoring. I think it's safe to say he under-performed last year.

Look, I'm just trying to show Kessel some support here. The anti-Kessel bias on this forum is ridiculous, and I think it's coming from one area; Canada. IMO, Canadians are none too pleased they don't have the #1, or even #2 or #3 top draft-eligible talent for the first time in a long time, and they are taking every opportunity to bash Kessel, to knock him down a notch. He IS going to be a very good NHL player, possibly a superstar. He's faster and more explosive than either AO or Sid, but is he more complete? At this stage, definitely not. Could he be some day? You bet. And this alone drives Canadian fans crazy.

He does'nt worry us,we have better players then him and more coming along that will be better then him.By the way,he ain't more explosive then Ovechkin at all.

You flatter yourself here and assume a lot.

 

[ryz]

Modano and LaFontaine didn't seem to have that problem, the two most compared with Kessel.

I am well aware of the fact that you seem to have your lips firmly planted on Kessels *** but the fact remains that now that Kessel has been in the lime-light for the past week or so there are a lot of scouts, fans, hockey media personalities and at least 1 NHL GM that are not as impressed with the kid as they thought they would be. It doesn't matter what country you are from.

 

[reidy]

He does'nt worry us,we have better players then him and more coming along that will be better then him.By the way,he ain't more explosive then Ovechkin at all.

You flatter yourself here and assume a lot.

If he doesn't worry you, why all the animosity toward's the kid? I think it's sour grapes. If you can present a better argument, I'd love to hear it.

 

[revolverjgw]

Modano and LaFontaine didn't seem to have that problem, the two most compared with Kessel.

To nitpick a little, Modano and Lafontaine played in an even more wide open NHL and it took them a number of years respectively until were able to put up 90 point seasons, which is what Crosby is on pace for right away, at 18. They weren't on Crosby's level, either.