Kessel era about to begin for Leafs
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 3, 2009 | 12:33 PM ET
Michael Coomber, CBC Sports
The struggling Leafs could get a boost up front as Phil Kessel is expected to make his debut Tuesday against the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning.
(Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)Could Phil Kessel be the answer? The Toronto Maple Leafs certainly hope so.
The struggling Leafs could get a boost up front as the 22-year-old star is expected to make his debut Tuesday against the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning.
Kessel, the fifth overall pick in 2006, was traded to Toronto Sept. 18 in exchange for first and second round picks in 2010 and a first rounder in 2011.
The former Boston Bruin has been sidelined for nearly six months after undergoing off-season shoulder surgery. The announcement of Kessel's return to the ice comes as a surprise, as reports suggested the shifty winger would not be ready until late November.
According to Toronto's official website, Kessel skated with the team Tuesday, and pending clearance from Leafs medical staff he will be in the lineup.
The Madison, Wis., native enjoyed a breakout year in 2008-09 with career highs in goals (36), assists (24), points (60), plus-minus (plus-23) and power-play goals (8).
"I'm pretty excited," Kessel told the team's official website. "Six months is a long time."
"They have to temper their expectations," said Kessel. "I'm going to do whatever I can to help the team win."
'We still need to win'
Toronto (1-7-4), the NHL's cellar dwellers, with one win and four overtime or shootout losses, has only six points on the season. The most recent defeat came Saturday as the Leafs lost to Montreal 5-4 in extra time. The defeat was Toronto's second to the rival Habs this year.
Even with a three-game losing streak, Toronto has registered at least a point in its last four games. But the fact remains, the Leafs need to add to the win column.
"We still have to find a way to win," head coach Ron Wilson said. "Which cliché do you want? We never say die, blah, blah blah? We still need to win."
Wilson has not announced a starting goaltender, however, since Vesa Toskala played Saturday, the Leafs coach may turn to rookie Jonas Gustavsson, who is 1-2-2 with a 3.22 GAA this season.
Tampa Bay (4-4-4) stumbles into Tuesday's game after dropping three of four, including a 6-2 embarrassment Monday in Philadelphia. Goaltender Mike Smith allowed five goals on 18 shots and lasted only 26 minutes before he was replaced by backup Antero Niittymaki.
The loss prompted a players-only closed-door meeting.
"It stays in the room," Lightning forward Jeff Halpern said. "You saw the game tonight, so you can imagine what it was about. I'm not saying that we're letting this slide, but I think the guys in this room are more than capable of handling it."
Tampa does have one bright spot.
Sophomore forward Steven Stamkos has caught fire recently. The former first overall draft pick is working on a six-game goal streak, scoring eight times over that span. He also leads the team in goals (11) and points (16).
After Smith's poor outing Monday, Tampa could go with Niittymaki, who has a 2-1-1 record and 2.17 GAA this season.
With files from The Associated Press
