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You may not think it, but Phil Kessel’s just about the nicest, most genuine guy in the NHL, and it’s funny because the part of him that appeals to most of us sportsfans, is the thing that he’s criticized for; his regular guy-ness.

Teammates, both past and present will tell you that Phil’s funny, and generous and just the guy you want on your side. Oh, and he’s also the most lethal sniper in the NHL, but based on what’s said about him in the media, you probably won’t guess that. Since his first game in 2008 to today, Kessel is fourth in goals scored with 243 over 598 games, just behind Alex Ovechkin, Steven Stamkos and Corey Perry. He’s also an ironman when it comes to games, setting a record with the Leafs with the most consecutive games played.

Kessel is the kind of hockey player we should look up to rather then mock, and despite everything he’s gotten over his career, he’s poised to possibly hoist the cup for the first time in his career.