When he does speak to the media, Phil Kessel doesn't shy away from his career-low output and disappointing results this season.
Kessel knows that the mere five even-strength goals he scored this season for the Arizona Coyotes is just half as many as his previous low set during his age-19 season. Kessel knows that he took fewer shots on goal this season than any year prior. And he knows that, despite those numbers, he finished with a shooting percentage that wasn't too far off from his career average.
"Obviously I had a tough year," Kessel said via conference call with reporters on Tuesday.