‘Now I’m a three-timer’: Phil Kessel cherishes another Cup, vows to keep playing

LAS VEGAS – Phil Kessel warns that he can’t guarantee that his daughter, Kapri, will look at the camera. 

But, sure, he’ll pose for a photograph with longtime girlfriend Sandra Pereira and their toddler girl on the night of his third Stanley Cup victory.

Asked what he’ll take away about this charmed third one, Kessel motions across the chewed-up ice to the cute 15-month-old girl wearing a No. 8 DADDY Vegas Golden Knights sweater.

“Obviously, I’m gonna remember my kid, you know?” Kessel said. “My first two, she wasn't around, so it’s special for her. And hopefully get enough pictures and get her with the Cup, and it's a great moment, right? So, that's about it, you know?”

For Kessel — the NHL’s ironman healthy-scratched for an 18th consecutive playoff game — this one hits different.

In his back-to-back championship runs with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017, he piled up 18 goals and 45 points and appeared on Conn Smythe ballots.

In Vegas, he was a glue guy on a one-year discount deal, trying to stick in the lineup and carving a niche.

“But I was fortunate to play here all year long, and we had a great group of guys and obviously a really good team, and we got it done,” said Kessel, now a three-time Cup champ.

After making the playoffs just three times in his first nine years, did Kessel ever imagine he’d earn three rings?

“You know what? You never know if you're ever gonna get a chance to win," he said. "And I had 10 years in, I got the first chance, and it’s special, every one. And I don't know, you know?” 

Kessel paused, then slaps a Toronto-based reporter on the shoulder and lets loose a hearty, high-pitched laugh from under his thick playoff beard.

“Back in my Toronto days, they didn’t think I could win, right? Now I'm a three-timer," he said. "So, remember that, right?”

Oh, I don’t think the city will forget.

There is no malice when Kessel makes his statement. He’s just happy.

And his teammates are happy for him.

“Unreal, man. One of my favourite teammates I ever played with,” said Vegas captain Mark Stone, after his hat trick in the finale. “He could’ve pouted and kinda gone away, but still came to the rink every day with a smile on his face. Did everything you could ask, right? He's a true professional. 

“He's a guy that I wish I got to play my whole career with. He's so much fun. He works hard. He loves his game and loves being in the locker room, loves being with his teammates. And he showed a lot of class, and I’ll respect that guy for the rest of my life for how he handled everything. I was so excited to when he came skating on the ice to celebrate with us.”

Of course, Kessel didn’t want to sit out of the playoffs after William Carrier got healthy.

“But I played all year long, and I knew my role and stuff here. And, obviously, we got it done. So, it's really special. And what a good group here,” said Kessel, in the chattiest interview we’ve witnessed from the guy.

“Listen, there was a ton of great play from everyone. Obviously, Marchy scored all those goals. And I thought Karly was unbelievable for us. And Hiller came in and played great. Jack was great the whole playoffs. Stoney, Stevie, and I think everyone. In order to win, everyone has to contribute throughout the series. Like, guys have played one game, 10 games — it doesn't matter. I think they all matter. 

“Even the guys that played in the (regular) season. You know, we wind up first place in the conference. And all that stuff, that matters coming into the playoffs. We got the No. 1 seed — and look where we’re at.”

On championship ice, surrounded by cheering fans, fallen golden streamers and that big, shiny, silver mug that will have Kessel’s name etched onto its rounded plates for a third time.

Kessel, 35, is loving the present moment, but we can’t help but ask about his future.

“Yeah ... I want to play,” the pending free agent said. “I have the desire. I love to play the game still. 

“Obviously, I don't feel old or anything like that. So, you know, I enjoy playing every game, and I'm looking forward to next year, wherever I'm at, and continuing my career.”

Why not go for four?