Contrary to widespread public perception, the Penguins can be tough on their stars.
Oh, it's not that they'll outright torment Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin or anyone else in the core. There would be little point to that, anyway. These players are, by nature, highly driven, and kicking them when they're down can be counterproductive. But when a push is needed, the push is given. And based on what I've heard, the pushes for all of them came authoritatively and from way on high earlier this season.
Well, add Phil Kessel to the list.
After Kessel scored twice Thursday night in the 4-3 victory over the Flyers at Consol Energy Center, I asked a high-ranking team official if Kessel might be benefiting from having Carl Hagelin's comparable speed added to his line. And man, that team official wanted no part of such a concept.
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