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Kessel says Leafs won’t go through a collapse next season

Phil Kessel

Toronto Maple Leafs’ Phil Kessel skates off the ice after Toronto was defeated 1-0 by the Ottawa Senators in NHL hockey game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Saturday, April 12, 2014. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Fred Chartrand)

AP

Finishing strong hasn’t exactly been the Toronto Maple Leafs’ strong suit the last couple years, but Phil Kessel told the Canadian Press that the 2014-15 season will be different.

The 26-year-old sniper definitely rues that season-ending stretch in which they only won two of their last 14 games, claiming that they “won’t go through one of those again.”

“We don’t have that stretch, we’re right in it,” Kessel said. “This year we made some good additions and I think we improved as a team, and we’re going to be ready to go.”

It’s certainly been a tumultuous offseason for Toronto, although many of the key figures and players remain in the fold. Then again, depth is becoming a key difference-maker in the NHL, so perhaps the Leafs’ offseason tweaks can help them avoid big losing streaks next time.

Kessel was at the Rexall Centre for the Rogers Cup on Sunday, giving him a chance to play ball hockey with Roger Federer of all people, as you can see from his Instagram feed:

Hey, maybe Kessel can take a few tips on putting away pesky opponents from one of tennis’ all-time greats?

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins