Leafs’ Phil Kessel on team’s work ethic: ‘We’re professionals’
Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel recently defended his team’s effort on the ice in response to head coach Peter Horachek’s comments that the team effort is lackluster.
After the team’s most recent 4-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Peter Horachek didn’t hold back when he gave his opinion on how his team performed. He stated that the team was out-skated, out-worked and out-classed by the Sharks and that the Leafs effort has been unacceptable.
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This hasn’t been the first time that the Leafs head coach has blasted his team’s work ethic. It has been a recurring theme throughout his tenure since taking over the team earlier in the season.
So, of course, who do the Toronto media ask for comments about what Horachek had to say? Why, Phil Kessel, of course. Kessel was asked for his opinion on if the team is lacking effort.
"I don’t think so. Like I said, we’re professionals. We’re giving full effort. Obviously, it hasn’t been great, but no one’s not trying, so if you’re saying that, you’re lost."
Hockey Rumor’s and Trades Facebook page provided us with a text excerpt from the same interview.
The reporter does have a point. There is a difference between being a professional and giving it your maximum effort. We see athletes all the time that are clearly not happy and not able to give their ‘A’ game, but still carrying themselves in a professional manner.
In Phil’s defense, he is arguing that the Leafs are giving maximum effort, but that doesn’t mean he believes that the team is playing good hockey. I don’t think anyone could make that argument right now. It’s not that the team isn’t trying or doesn’t care, it just seems that way because they are team with zero confidence and nothing to play for.
With the team announcing that they will go ahead with a full ‘scorched-earth’ rebuild, all the negative attention from the fans and media, and absolutely no shot at making the playoffs, it is very difficult to play inspired hockey.
You can’t even make the argument ‘well, they should be playing for next year,’ since most of the players won’t be there next year.
Not making excuses for Phil Kessel, because he should do a better job of keeping his emotions in check. Still, Kessel is doing his best job to stay professional, but he’s clearly had enough and will most likely benefit from a change of scenery next season.
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