The New and Improved Phil Kessel

Yes, I know it is only three games into a very young year. Many things can and will change over the next 79 games, but there is no doubt in my mind that Phil Kessel is a changed hockey player.

Kessel has been active in a three zones this year and not only is that helping the team, but I think Kessel realizes that it also creates scoring chances for him. I'm not saying he is a great two-way forward, but he is a respectable defender now. I honestly think this will be Kessel's breakout year, that will solidify him as a top 10 NHL player. Call me crazy, but I think 40 goals is in his realm of possibility.

Kessel has recorded five goals, three assists for 8 points to start the season, but oddly enough that is not his most impressive fact. The fact that Kessel has not been on the ice for a goal against and he is a +7 is quite astounding. That also points to the dominance of the line as a whole. Lupul and Bozak have had great starts to the year as well.

Now with Connolly returning sometime this soon, do we want to break up such a good line? Personally I wouldn't, because the chemistry looks superb. But that debate is for another blog.

It's funny how Kessel was scoring with Joey Crabb as his linemate last year, but once he got a respectable power forward to play opposite of him (Lupul), Kessel has been on fire.

In his last 32 games, Kessel has recorded 18 goals, 19 assists for 37 points and a +6 rating.

Kessel does disappear for periods of six or seven games, so I will be watching to see if that continues into this season. The Leafs have six games in the next eight nights, so we must hope Kessel continues to play well, and the Grabovski line can find its groove.

The Avalanche are in town Monday night; look for Giguere to get the start against his former team. It will be a game with two young teams, who play a run and gun style of hockey.

Until then, Go Leafs Go