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OK gang, got some good news, bad news for you.
Bad news first: this is the last Phil Friday we'll have. (Until Phil scores a hatty on a Thursday)
The good news: it's the last off-season Friday of the summer.
FINALLY...THE PHIL...HAS COME BACK..TO PITTSBURGH
Phil Kessel is in the 'Burgh and everyone's pumped.
It Phils like the first time. Welcome to Pittsburgh ice, @PKessel81. pic.twitter.com/0cuqaFVYka
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) September 9, 2015
And everyone was happy. Some roundups (many already covered in Pens Points):
Scary Gary happy with Phil
After training all summer in Toronto, Mr. Roberts is pleased
Gary Roberts talking about Phil Kessel: "What he does with me is private, but I truly believe he’s in a good place."
— Jason Mackey (@Mackey_Trib) September 10, 2015
Let's gooo
Most obvious headline of all time
Coming from Sportsnet:
"Phil Kessel: Pittsburgh a more relaxed environment than Toronto"
"No shit, Sherlock"
But really, my favorite part:
"I think I ate a little healthier this summer, but training-wise I don’t think I did anything crazy different or anything like that," Kessel explained. "But Gary’s a great guy and I had a lot of fun there."
Recent reports suggested that Kessel lost 13 pounds working with Roberts, but the five-time 30-goal scorer denied that.
"I didn’t lose any weight," Kessel added with a smile. "Same as I’ve always been."
Kessel's noticeably in better shape, that's why the smile makes it funny!
Justin Bourne says Phil will score 100 goals!
Phil Kessel: first NHL's first 100 goal scorer!
(Ok, so it is a little out of context, but it is a real quote!)
Also, 64% of those polled said 35+ goals for Phil. Another reminder of what I've said all summer: only 3 players scored 39+ last season..
Phil and Sid on The Hockey News
Cover of our upcoming @NHL Season Preview edition, featuring @Penguins new and old... Available later this week. pic.twitter.com/lWVjfimwn2
— The Hockey News (@TheHockeyNews) September 8, 2015
That cover!!!
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Happy Phil Friday and thanks for all the feedback this summer on this feature. I'm glad it was well received, it was fun to keep going.