I’m a Pens fan and I was catching up on a couple series I’ve been missing and I noticed Phil The Thrill played through the Winnipeg series but didn’t see any action in the Edmonton series at all.
He’s not on the injured list either so what gives? Vegas just isn’t playing him? Who took his roster spot? Did his production just drop off?
Thanks for any info and I’m rooting for you guys to go all the way!!
by GriffBallChamp
9 Comments
There was a rumour he had a minor injury. He also got bumped out by Stone as 3RW. Cassidy didn’t want Kessel on the LW and he isn’t a 4th line grinder/shutdown.
Marchessault
Roy
Stone
Kessel was a good player during the regular season but not what Vegas has needed so far this offseason.
Phil came out when Carrier returned. Phil was fine in the 3rd line role this year, but he hasn’t been a difference-maker. Great dude. We love him here, but there’s not much Thrill left on Phil. If there are injuries, it’ll likely be between him and Amadio to slot back in.
We’re just not playing him. There were rumors about a minor injury to his ankle, but he was just dropped at the end of the Winninpeg series when Carrier was ready to come back.
He was pretty good in the first couple playoff games but he really didn’t fit in any point of the roster. Maybe he could have gone with Stepho and Stone, but I can’t see him anywhere else at the moment.
He’s a great guy and everyone in the locker room loves the shit out of him (Thompson in particular lol), but yeah especially against Edmonton it feels like it would have been a rough match up.
Phil has been a relentless workhorse for the VGK down the stretch which in itself it hilarious, but playing him against the speedy Edmonton while it appears he’s skating in molasses is not a good look. He’s now our secret weapon…..loading up on Franks and Diet Coke in the press box, waiting to be deployed. Loved the signing….his sister was right – we needed him – and one of my best memories this season is watching Phil get his 400th goal against of all teams the Leafs….only to have them coach’s challenge that thing back…..This was the karma that destroyed the Leafs future in the playoffs.
Seems like we went with carrier, amadio, then blueger for defense, I wouldn’t rule out seeing him again if we need a boost on offense in lieu of blueger or amadio
Phil holds the locker room down. When he finally does retire, we should just pay him to be an assistant coach..
I was at his 1,000th game. So cool. They brought his family onto the ice before the game, gave out towels. Lots of respect. Had an unexpectedly good year but isn’t what we need right now.
Wait does this mess with his iron man streak or is that just the regular season?
As long as they play him again in the regular season so he can keep his iron man streak going