Kessel on refusal to address reporters after loss to Sabres: 'My answers aren’t always that great'
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel held court following practice on Monday, addressing, among other things, his rather terse reaction to attempts to pick his brain after a 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday.
"I don’t know how well you want to know me," Kessel told reporters. "My answers aren't always that great. I think you have the responsibility to talk. Maybe I need to do more, but not every day."
The introverted sharpshooter added that he sometimes doesn't love the expectations that come with being an NHL superstar, and would prefer to let his game do the talking.
Kessel on being a leader: “I’ve played six seasons now,I would say so. I don’t say a whole lot but I try to lead on the ice.” #Leafs
— Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) November 17, 2014
That much he has done, with 11 goals and 11 assists in 18 games this season, tying him for third in the NHL in total points.
Toronto's next game is Tuesday against the Nashville Predators. Another big game - coupled with a win, of course - would certainly breed a friendlier atmosphere in the locker room.
Head coach Randy Carlyle added the following, in case Phil didn't get the memo.
Carlyle on media: “It’s the player’s responsibility and our organization’s responsibility to make sure everybody’s available to the media.”
— Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) November 17, 2014
More Carlyle on media: "It’s spelled out ... on a day-to-day basis that when you are called upon, you are to be made available." #Leafs
— Rob Longley (@longleysunsport) November 17, 2014