Phil Kessel named NHL’s 3rd star of the week

The Pittsburgh Penguins only played 2 games last week following their bye week, but it was enough for them to have the NHL’s 3rd star of the week for the second week in a row (with Sidney Crosby getting the honor last week). From the NHL:

THIRD STAR - PHIL KESSEL, RW, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Kessel registered 2-3-5 in two games, scoring the winning goal in each contest to lift the Penguins (24-19-3, 51 points) into the first Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. He collected 1-2-3, his fourth three-point performance of the season, in a 4-1 victory against the Detroit Red Wings Jan. 13. Kessel then added 1-1-2, including his 53rd career game-winning goal, in a 5-2 triumph over the New York Rangers Jan. 14. In doing so, the 30-year-old Madison, Wis., native became the third U.S.-born player in NHL history to reach the 20-goal milestone in 10 or more consecutive seasons (2008-09 - present). Kessel leads the Penguins and ranks eighth in the League with 20-32-52 through 46 outings in 2017-18.

Surprisingly enough, though, Kessel as omitted from the NHL’s all-star team last week despite currently leading the team in goals, assists and points and as mentioned above being one of the top scorers in the league.

Surely Kessel will enjoy the time to himself off, though it is possible that he could be named to the team as an injury replacement. Whether that happens or not, we’ll see but for now the team and player will be happy to have Kessel performing so well during the games.

With Crosby winning last week, Kessel winning this week, should be only fitting that Evgeni Malkin is on the clock. With the way he’s been playing (5g+3a in the last 4 games) it could be a matter of time before some recognition comes his way as well.