Phil Kessel named NHL’s most overrated in players’ poll, again

Phil Kessel of the Pittsburgh Penguins has 23 goals and 31 assists in 75 games this season, seven points less than his output in 82 games last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He didn’t score the expected gazillion points playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Some might say that his performance didn’t match the hype.

Which, by definition, would mean that Kessel was “overrated.” It’s actually an accurate statement: Expecting too much from Kessel, and from the Penguins, was overrating both of them. But that doesn’t mean the player himself is overrated.

Even if his peers feel that way.

Sun Media has its latest players poll out, asking players from Canadian and American teams for their likes and dislikes.

The dirtiest player, according to 36 NHLers? Zac Rinaldo with nine votes.

The biggest pain in the ass to play against? Tied with four votes were Corey Perry, Zdeno Chara, Ryan Kesler and Brad Marchand.

Who made the biggest impression? Patrick Kane, with eight votes.

Vancouver was their favorite Canadian city. Winnipeg was their least favorite.

Oh, and Phil Kessel was the most overrated player. Again.

Not only Phil. But Phil in a blowout.

They know he’s not on the Leafs anymore, right?

Interesting to see P.K. Subban get that much attention. Weird that Marc-Andre Fleury and Antti Niemi are the only goalies on the list. And whose Cheerios did Dale Weise piss in?

Is Phil Kessel overrated, or is he exactly who you think he is?

--

Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

MORE FROM YAHOO HOCKEY