What If…Phil Kessel Was A Columbus Blue Jacket?

In light of last night’s game encompassing brew ha ha, and the shenanigans that ensued during the fight, I decided to take a look at Phil Kessel‘s actions. I wanted to look at the other side of the spectrum. I can’t seem to get over what Phil Kessel did, so I decided to ask myself What If…Phil Kessel Was A ColumbusBlue Jacket, would I still feel the same way? If you haven’t seen the entire clip, check it out below…

Now John Scott is a thug, a goon, and a bully, but Phil Kessel is a term that is not appropriate for this blog. Kessel goes to start the fight, then tucks his tail between his legs and high tails it the other way when Scott gives chase. Kessel then proceeds to take a two-handed chop with his STICK at Scott’s legs, then as his teammates come over to bail his big mouth out, he takes another cowardly chop at Scott’s ankles. After that even more hell broke loose, every player on the ice grabbed a partner, even Ryan Miller and Jonathan Bernier decided to do the dosey doe.

David Clarkson decided to come off the bench, and for that he will get a 10 game suspension. Now the real question is what will Phil Kessel get? I have seen people from a casual hockey fan, to a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan discuss this. I have seen the figure range anywhere between 3 to 10 games, I am on the side of a stiffer punishment and I think 10 games would be a suitable punishment.

I was shocked at his first two whacks at the big guy, but was even more disgusted when he decided to go back as Scott was tied up with a referee and another Maple Leaf. Surprise, surprise he had found his weapon of choice, his stick, and decided to give the bear one last poke. To me it shone a light on his dastardly side, and something tells me he will pay for most of his actions down the road, and I don’t mean with a suspension.

Sep 22, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; NHL referee Kevin Pollock (33) throws Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel (81) out of the game after a fight against the Buffalo Sabres during the third period at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Buffalo 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Now to the real question, would I feel any differently if Phil Kessel was a Columbus Blue Jacket? My first inclination was a big fat NO, but then I had to really ask myself that question. I came to the conclusion that I would still think of Kessel as a chicken, but my fandom would make me deal with his actions and accept them. Luckily for me I do not have to do that, and I can show and speak my disdain for him. So Maple Leaf fans I feel for you, you guys have to go on and accept Kessel’s actions, and continue to support him. After all he is your best player, even if the hockey world can now see the yellow stripe that runs down his back.

Blue Jacket fans, and fans of other teams, let me know what you think of the melee and of Kessel’s actions. Let me know if you agree with me or if you have a different view.