The legend of Phil Kessel’s poker-playing casino nights in Pittsburgh: ‘The nice guy at the table’ – The Athletic

Its a rainy Monday in Pittsburgh, and all is quiet at Rivers Casino. The weeknight crowd slowly files in, but its a dead night.

Once upon a time, a very familiar figure used to provide some spice on such evenings. Hed walk into the casino a little before sunset, wearing a ballcap and sweatpants and carrying a bag of cash.

A security guard stands near the poker tables and points to one in particular.

Thats where my guy Mr. Kessel liked to play, he said. Damn. We miss that guy. Nice fellow.

Phil Kessels four years in Pittsburgh were legendary. He helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup twice, he scored 110 regular-season goals and 20 postseason goals, and, along the way, became a folk hero.

Those who frequent the North Side casino knew the drill.

If the Penguins were in town, and if it wasnt a game night, Kessel would appear around dinner time. And he wasnt there to play penny slots.

Phil likes to play poker, said Jim Rutherford, his former general manager who now runs the show in Vancouver. Its not like we didnt know. And theres nothing wrong with it. He literally would just enjoy playing poker with Pittsburghers. I think that was part of his charm. Just one of the people. Hes got his people, you know? Kind of like a fan club. Hes got a group of people in Pittsburgh who absolutely love the guy, and I am one of them.

He has balls, and he has a lot of money

Rick Tocchet has been called the Kessel whisperer. Coaching Kessel can be a bit of a challenge.

Hell drive you nuts if you let him, Tocchet said. But hes a good guy. Hes a friend.

They are such friends, in fact, that Tocchet has shared a poker table or two with Kessel.

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The legend of Phil Kessel's poker-playing casino nights in Pittsburgh: 'The nice guy at the table' - The Athletic