Fansided

25 athletes everyone hates (unless they’re on your team)

By Jeremy Lambert

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 3: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stays loose on the sideline during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 3, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 3: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stays loose on the sideline during NFL game action against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 3, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 16: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the game against the San Jose Sharks in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 16, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Kesler
SAN JOSE, CA – APRIL 16: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the game against the San Jose Sharks in Game Three of the Western Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on April 16, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ryan Kesler /

Ryan Kesler

Yes, another Anaheim Duck. I can’t help it that Anaheim has signed every annoying player in the NHL. They’re an Alex Burrows away from being able to ice the most annoying line in league history.

In the playoffs last year, Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen said, ““His family and friends watching him play, I don’t know how you cheer for a guy like that. It just doesn’t make sense how he plays the game. I’m just trying to go out there and play hockey, and it sucks when you’ve got to pull a stick out of your groin every shift.”

Pulling a stick out of your groin every shift would certainly be difficult. Some people like to refer to their groin area as “wood” but we all know your groin is not actually wood. Unless you’re some kind of deformed lumberjack, in which case, I would like to meet you.

Kesler is one of the best at getting under the skin of opponents. If he’s not putting his stick in your groin, he’s putting his stick in your back or face. He’s a pest on the ice, but he’s also good. He used to be one of the best two-way forwards in the league. Injuries and wear and tear have taken their toll on Kesler.

That makes him all the more annoying. When the skills decline, you rely on the veteran tricks that got you to where you are.

That’s why the Ducks are annoying to play against in the regular season, but were swept in the playoffs. Because annoying people doesn’t win playoff series. Most of the time.

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