Phil Kessel takes a shot at the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto sports media

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Matt Garland
June 14, 2023 (10:49)

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One of the NHL's most colourful characters Phil Kessel can now call himself a three-time Stanley Cup champion. The Vegas Golden Knights captured the franchise's first ever championship in just their six season in the NHL, defeating the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5.

The 35 year old Kessel played a different role in his third cup then the previous two in 2016 and 2017 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In Pittsburgh he put up 18 goals, 45 points and was on Conn Smythe ballots. With Vegas Kessel was a glue guy, only appearing in 4 playoff games, sitting for one of the originals William Carrier when he got healthy.

After making the playoffs just three times in his first nine years, Kessel was asked if he ever thought he'd win three rings?

«You know what? You never know if you're ever gonna get a chance to win,» he said, «And I had 10 years in, I got the first chance, and it's special, every one. And I don't know, you know?»

Kessel paused, then slaps a Toronto-based reporter on the shoulder and lets loose a hearty, high-pitched laugh from under his thick playoff beard.

«Back in my Toronto days, they didn't think I could win, right? Now I'm a three-timer,» he said, «So, remember that, right?»

Yes, Kessel we won't forget

«But I played all year long, and I knew my role and stuff here. And, obviously, we got it done. So, it's really special. And what a good group here,»

said Kessel

«Listen, there was a ton of great play from everyone. Obviously, Marchy scored all those goals. And I thought Karly was unbelievable for us. And Hiller came in and played great. Jack was great the whole playoffs. Stoney, Smitty and I think everyone. In order to win, everyone has to contribute throughout the series. Like, guys have played one game, 10 games � it doesn't matter. I think they all matter. "

«Even the guys that played in the (regular) season. You know, we wind up first place in the conference. And all that stuff, that matters coming into the playoffs. We got the No. 1 seed � and look where we're at.»

Kessel is the NHL's regular-season ironman, a streak currently at 1,064 games that began Nov. 3, 2009, his first game as a member of the Maple Leafs.