C Ryan Kesler (Anaheim Ducks, 2011 Selke Trophy, All Star)

[Buckskin86]

Shark bites rev up Ryan Kesler
Canucks centre says criticisms about slashing, hitting are just motivation for him

By Ben Kuzma, The Province May 22, 2011


His bullet-riddled likeness isn't on a Most Wanted poster in this town. It just seems that way.

Ask the San Jose Sharks what they think of Ryan Kesler and there's a consensus. The Vancouver Canucks centre is hard to play against and hard to put up with. He will slash his way through your defence and slash you with his stick. Just ask Marc-Edouard Vlasic. He absorbed a wicked slash to the wrist as time expired Friday in a 4-3 Sharks victory in Game 3 of the Western Conference final series.

Or, ask Ryane Clowe. He didn't mask his disdain for the Selke Trophy favourite because shutting down the centre after he dominated the Nashville Predators with 11 points (5-6) in six games has become a prime focus as the Sharks seek their first Stanley Cup final appearance.

"I'm sure if a lot of guys met Ryan Kesler in a back alley there would be a lot of stuff happening," the hulking Sharks winger said Saturday.

"It's just the way it is. He plays hard and I give him respect as a player. Obviously, you're going to butt heads and go head-to-head, and that's been good. To have a series like he did against Nashville, it's hard to keep that up. We're definitely trying to play him tight because he's probably going to get better as the series goes on."

Cont..

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Shark+bites+Ryan+Kesler/4824111/story.html#ixzz1N5Na0Jy7

 

[Buckskin86]

Kesler: 'We did what we wanted to do'
Published May 22, 2011

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- After his dominating performance against the Nashville Predators during the conference semifinals, Ryan Kesler had just one assist in the three games of the Western Conference Final against the Sharks.

But Kesler found the back of the net during a 5-on-3 power play during the second period, giving the Vancouver Canucks a 1-0 lead they would not relinquish in a 4-2 victory that has them one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 1994.

Kesler's sixth goal of the postseason was a blast from the left faceoff circle, set up by a soft pass from Sami Salo.

After the game, Kesler spoke to the media about his goal and the hit he took from the Sharks' Ryane Clowe at the final buzzer.

Q: How perfect was Salo's pass to you on your goal?

Kesler: Yeah, it was good. It was a great pass by Sami and I buried it.

Q: What did you guys do differently on your 5-on-3s today after failing to convert on your two chances last game?

Cont...

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/05/22/kesler-did-wanted/#ixzz1NAylfdJP

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDZoyc6H3TQ"]YouTube - ‪Ryan Kesler goal : Vancouver Canucks vs San Jose Sharks : May 22 2011‬‏[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Kesler overcomes injury to score game-tying goal
Published May 25, 2011

VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Ryan Kesler remembers going to the net, the puck hitting off his stick and then jumping about three feet in the air.

He didn't land in any pain.

"No, I'm good," Kesler said, smiling, soon after Kevin Bieksa scored the double-overtime winner to put the Canucks into the Stanley Cup Final with a 3-2 win against San Jose in Game 5 at Rogers Arena. "It didn't hurt."

It probably would have if Kesler could have felt anything but pure excitement and adrenaline after he scored the goal with 13.2 seconds left in regulation that helped salvage every party across British Columbia on Tuesday night.

Cont...

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/...s-injury-score-game-tying-goal/#ixzz1NMgbi2yS

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-Og9_u19aw"]YouTube - ‪Ryan Kesler Goal - Canucks Vs Sharks - Round 3 Game 5 2011 Playoffs‬‏[/ame]

 

[TexasBuck]

Sky's the limit for Canucks, Ryan Kesler

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_y...ug=nc-skys_the_limit_for_canucks_kesler052811

 

[Buckskin86]

Kesler's improved, well-rounded game has led Canucks to brink of their first Stanley Cup title
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
By Tom Reed
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Jonathan Hayward | Canadian Press
Still only 26, Ryan Kesler is a leading candidate for playoff MVP.

Darryl Dyck | Canadian Press
Kesler scored 41 goals this season for the Canucks, 15 more than his previous career best.

Ryan Kesler has developed into what ex-Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock calls "a 200-foot player."

His affinity for supersize forwards aside, Hitchcock is referring to those who excel in all three zones, in front of both nets and anywhere else on the ice where a game can be won or lost.

Through maturity, opportunity and determination, the 26-year-old former Ohio State player has emerged as an elite two-way center with the Vancouver Canucks and is a leading candidate for the Stanley Cup playoffs' most valuable player award. His Canucks play host to the Boston Bruins in Game 1 of the Finals tonight.

"Kesler is becoming a complete player," Hitchcock said. "He is really focused and driven, and you can't knock him off his game the way you could in the past."

Cont..

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2011/06/01/no-weaknesses.html?sid=101

Canucks' Ryan Kesler, a Livonia native, demands high standards
Ted Kulfan/ The Detroit News

Vancouver center Ryan Kesler is having the type of postseason legends are made of.

He almost willed his Canucks to victory in Game 7 of the first round against the Blackhawks, a 4-3 series victory.

He single-handedly defeated Nashville in the second round, accounting for 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the 4-2 series victory.

Returning from an apparent leg injury in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Sharks, he forced overtime with a goal with 13 seconds remaining. The Canucks won in overtime.

So, it's no surprise Kesler is arguably the leader for the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) with 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 18 games.

"He's been unbelievable," Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo said of the Livonia native. "He has taken his game to a level that I've never seen before in the second round (against Nashville).

"He's probably one of the most dominant players in the league right now."

Cont..

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110531...-native--demands-high-standards#ixzz1O2f6cdqj

 

[Buckskin86]

Kesler's focus on focus has Canucks three wins from Cup
Craig Custance Sporting News

VANCOUVER -- It didn't take much to detect a hint of sarcasm in David Krejci?s voice.

Ryan Kesler?s name was brought up to Krejci on Friday afternoon. Kesler is the guy charged with shutting down Krejci and his linemates. It took all of 42 seconds in Game 1 before the two were on the ice together. And that?s how it stayed most of the game.

If Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault has his way, Game 2 will play out much the same way.

So yeah, Krejci has already has his fill of Kesler.

?I think he?s the best player in the world, right? That?s how it looks, everybody is asking me about him,? Krejci said. ?It?s not about him, obviously he?s a great player. He?s a really good player. My game is to focus on my game.?

Funny, so is Kesler?s.

As good as Kesler was all season, and he was 41-goal good, he?s found another gear during the playoffs. And if Game 1 was any indication, Kesler may have something left. It was his incredible play that set up Raffi Torres? game-winning goal with just 18.5 seconds left in Game 1.

He saw the Krejci line leave the ice on a change, giving him just enough space to make a play.

?I saw an opening to go,? Kesler explained.

cont...

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/sto...has-canucks-three-wins-from-cup#ixzz1OIrnw5GX

 

[Buckskin86]

Kesler: 'We're definitely finding ways to win right now'
Published June 05, 2011

VANCOUVER -- Here's how you can tell how good the Vancouver Canucks are feeling right about now:

Ryan Kesler laughed out loud. Yes, the usually grumpy yet intense center smiled repeatedly and laughed after he said, for what he called "at least the 100th time," that the Canucks are going to take the rest of the Stanley Cup Final "one game at a time."

Kesler and the Canucks have reason to feel good. They're halfway to the Stanley Cup thanks to Alex Burrows' winner 11 seconds into overtime on Saturday. Vancouver edged Boston, 3-2, to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series.

Kesler, who played just about 23 minutes in Game 2, talked about why the Canucks were able to take over in the third period and what another dramatic win means for the team going forward into Game 3 on Monday:

Q: Can you talk about the response when you're down 2-1 because you seemed to find another gear that they had trouble managing to get to at that point?

Cont...

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/...-finding-ways-to-win-right-now/#ixzz1OUinw6ip

 

[Buckskin86]

Worn down or not, Canucks need more from Ryan Kesler
Craig Custance Sporting News

VANCOUVER -- At this point in the series, it was worth the shot. Ryan Kesler was asked point blank -- are you injured?

?No,? he quickly said. ?Next question.?

Ryan Kesler was on the receiving end of a heavy hit in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. (AP Photo)

Would you tell us if you were?

?No,? Kesler said at the Vancouver Canucks' morning before Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins. The series is tied 2-2 after the Bruins' two home wins.

Few people be surprised if Kesler's name is on the laundry list of injuries revealed by the Canucks once this series is over. The dominant player from earlier in the playoffs hasn?t surfaced in the finals and there?s the assumption that a crushing blow on Kesler in the first period of Game 2 from Johnny Boychuk has slowed the Canucks second-line center.

Since that hit, the Bruins have continued to invest in a physical game against Kesler who has just one point in this series -- an assist on Raffi Torres? game-winner in Game 1.

?I?m not worn down at all,? Kesler said on Friday morning. ?I feel great.?

Cont..

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/fee...esler-boston-bruins-stanley-cup#ixzz1P43uaNl5

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gWqNTCLJMY"]YouTube - ‪Ryan Kesler - Now or Never - HD‬‏[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

If we win ... we become legends: Kesler

Canucks centre not worried about his or team's stats heading into winner-take-all showdown

By Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun June 15, 2011


In answering a question Tuesday about the one point he has managed in the Stanley Cup Final, Ryan Kesler chose instead to make his point.

It really doesn't matter, Kesler told reporters. All that matters is what happens tonight when the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks meet in Game 7 at Rogers Arena.

"One point," Kesler said, pausing briefly. "Obviously, you want to score, you want to help the team win. [Tonight] is all that matters. Everything in the past is in the past. If we win [tonight] we become legends and I don't think anybody worries about that I have one point in six games."

Cont..

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/become+legends+Kesler/4948651/story.html#ixzz1PLMzlv4L

 

[Buckskin86]

Kesler refuses to discuss injuries following the big hurt
Emotional Canucks forward gives kudos to the Bruins and his teammates for battling hard -'we can hold our heads up high'
By Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun June 16, 2011


Ryan Kesler struggled to find the words, but he really didn't have to. His face told the whole story.

His tear-filled, red eyes, his quivering lip, said it all.

This one hurt more than words could ever say.

"Tough," Kesler said before pausing to compose himself. "I really thought we were going to win. I can't put it into words right now."

Cont..

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/...llowing+hurt/4955847/story.html#ixzz1PRTsXN1a

 

[TexasBuck]

Congrats to Ryan on winning the Selke Trophy last night. (Best defensive forward) Won it in a landslide. Received 105 of the 127 first place votes.

 

[bkochmc]

Congrats Ryan! First Buckeye to win a major award in the NHL, quite an accomplishment!

 

[Buckskin86]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX3j-8S4EOI"]YouTube - ‪Ryan Kesler | 2011 NHL Awards Red Carpet‬‏[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrk2kW-86CA"]YouTube - ‪Ryan Kesler Interview at 2011 NHL Awards Red Carpet Arrivals‬‏[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFYEtvxP7ik"]YouTube - ‪NHL TV: Ryan Kesler at the awards‬‏[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKUcl0WDSCQ"]YouTube - ‪Ryan Kesler Wins the Selke Trophy - 2011 NHL Awards - HD‬‏[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd2hdBOHs0A"]‪Hockeys Finest - Kevin Bieksa and Ryan Kesler (College Days) [HD]‬‏ - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Ryan Kesler- The Rise Of A Superstar
July 24, 2011

Ryan Kesler - (Monica McAlister)

NUMBER: 17
POSITION: CENTRE
HEIGHT: 6′ 2″
WEIGHT: 195
SHOOTS: RIGHT
BIRTHDATE: AUG 31, 1984
BIRTHPLACE: LIVONIA, MI, UNITED STATES

If any true hockey fan doesn?t recognize the name Ryan Kesler, they must have been living under a rock for the past 5 years. From Kesler?s humble beginnings playing for the Detroit Honeybaked in the Midwest Elite Hockey League, to finally overthrowing Datsyuk?s tenure as winner of the Frank J Selke trophy last year, Kesler is a true superstar and all of this at the humble age of 26.

THE MAKING OF A STAR

Kesler was born on August 31, 1984 in Livonia, Michigan, also the hometown of fellow hockey players Mike Modano of the Red Wings and David Moss of the Flames. He idolised both Modano and Joe Sakic growing up and was a fan of local team the Minnesota North Stars. He played for several junior teams in Detroit but didn?t make the cut for the AAA grade ending up playing bantam hockey for his fathers team.

Kesler then caught his break, being invited to play for the US National Development Team based in Ann Arbor, MI. He enjoyed two fairly successful seasons with the US National team and went on to Ohio State University for one season, playing 40 games and scoring 11 goals and 20 assists for the Buckeyes which lead to being drafted 23rd overall on June 23, 2003 by the Vancouver Canucks.

Cont..

http://thehockeywriters.com/ryan-kesler-the-rise-of-a-superstar/