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Kessel on playing against Leafs: ‘It’s going to be strange’

Phil Kessel

Phil Kessel

AP

Phil Kessel’s time in Toronto was memorable to say the least. While playing for the Leafs, the sniper endured some highs and lows, but mostly lows.

From a local writer complaining about his daily hot dog intake to the first round collapse in Game 7 of the 2013 playoffs against Boston, Kessel has seen and heard it all.

Being under the microscope in Toronto definitely took its toll on Kessel, but that didn’t stop him from leading the team in scoring all six years he was there.

On Saturday, Kessel will face his former team for the first time since they traded him to the Penguins last off-season.

After Pittsburgh’s morning skate, the winger did admit that he’s expecting it to be weird.

Coming into this season, many predicted that Kessel would have a breakout season playing with Sidney Crosby. Through four games that hasn’t been the case.

The 28-year-old has just one goal and one assist in his first four games with the Pens, but he’s confident he and his teammates will turn things around.

“It’s been good,” said Kessel. “We’ve been getting a lot of chances but we’re just not getting anything to go in the net so far, right? It’s going to take time to improve and we’ll get it going here.”

Tonight’s game should be interesting, but his return to the Air Canada Center on Oct. 31 will generate even more attention.