Philthy Phil is In it For the Long Haul

Ain't that a relief? Say what you will about how he was obtained (actually, I take that back, let's not say) Phil Kessel has been as advertised. There's more to his game than just goals. He backchecks, he hits (I've seen it!), he passes. He competes....

Let's say that together.  Ready? 1, 2, 3...

He competes.

Don't that feel good?  I know I feel better.  In fact, despite however some games have gone, whenever Phil is on the ice, I can't help but smile, completely in awe of his skills.  In the coming seasons, as the Leafs round in to form and are competing like the days of old, Phil will still be here, competing.

So, my intrepid Leaf-fan-brethren, take heart.  Despite some individuals consternation, the outlook isn't all negative.  As a wise man once said:

Playoffs!!!!1

Let's get to the links.

• The general reviews the Leafs at the quarter point of the season, in alphabetical order. Starting with "Happy Trails" and ending on "the greatest human being alive today."
• Having seen ol' Par-ee, Steve heads down to the farm.
• Another episode of "Ask Lee Stempniak" is in the can and ready to roll.
• The Other Vatican sees many ways this season can unfold, but only one is really palatable.
• Is there an historical equivalent to the Leafs' Ian White? Vintage Leafs Memories seems to think so, and it sounds good to me!
• John Tavares had himself a busy day on his visit to the ACC. The View From My Seats breaks it down.
• Hockey or Die has a few ideas on how to fix the Leafs. Particularly: score more goals.
• Is Christian Hanson going to benefit from all those rebounds Phil Kessel's nasty wrister generates? Leafs Fan Forever seems to think it's possible.
• How many Leafs can you name that you do not want on the team? Chansler can name 5, for starters...
• Kavel channels his inner LD and writes a slash-fic.
• Out of Left Field takes issue with the John Buccigross feature on Brendan Burke (fan shot here yesterday.)

UPDATES

• If Bloge Salming doesn't make you laugh, you may be dead.
• Norman James lists 10 of his favorite post-lockout Leafs games.
• TSM weighs in on the Brendan Burke piece.
• Vintage Leafs Memories takes you back to a night when Dave Keon was Dave Keon.
• Moustache Fever thinks the Leafs lines are clicking.  Losing, but clicking./

Phil Kessel's wrist shot