Tyler Kennedy
Tyler Kennedy was drafted in the 4th round (99th overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. TK spent a few years playing in the OHL and the AHL before making his Penguins debut on October 27, 2007 against the Montreal Canadiens. Tyler Kennedy played 372 games for the Penguins during his time in Pittsburgh, scoring 76 goals and ringing up 92 assists. TK also registered 181 PIMs and had a +32 +/- rating during his Penguins career.
TK wrote his name in the Penguins history book when he scored the first goal for the Penguins inside Consol Energy Center against the Filthadelphia Cryers Philadephia Flyers.
What an angle
Kennedy wasn't the biggest player by any stretch of the imagination, standing 5'11 and weighing 185 pounds. His size never stopped him from dropping the mits though, and when he did, he gave absolutely zero shits.
Hilary Duff probably found this video on the internet some night and asked Comrie for a divorce on the spot.
TK teaching Harry Zolnierczyk some WWE moves.
ROCK BOTTOM ROCK BOTTOM!!! BY GAWD KING!!!
It seemed Tyler Kennedy also had an extreme dislike for Sean Avery, considering he fought him on 3 separate occasions.
The third fight of the 3 is without a doubt my favorite. Roughing minors 16 seconds into the game for each of them. 2 minutes of 4 on 4 hockey passes, TK and Avery step out of the box, and they waste no time. Fighting right out the penalty box like is something you would see in Goon or some other random hockey movie all about fighting.
What a hero
Kennedy also physically licked his stick during a game against the Florida Panthers in 2009. He later said he licked his stick for good luck. The funny thing is, TK actually went on to score 2 goals that game post stick lick.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Kennedy also picked up some part time work with teammate Kris Letang as a weather man at KDKA.
"Today's obviously a Tuesday"
Look at the composure on Letang there
Out of all the things TK did in his time in Pittsburgh, he will most be remembered for his work during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.... well that and either missing the net by 3248732973 feet or shooting the puck directly into the goalies chest. Regardless, TK wore the Penguins sweater for 76 playoff games during his time in Pittsburgh. He scored 12 goals and 15 assists. He received 25 PIMs during those playoff games and had an even +/- rating.
TK will always have a special place in the hearts of Penguins fans because he was apart of Penguins run to their 3rd Stanley Cup in 2009. Whenever people crack Tyler Kennedy jokes or talk about how they are glad he is gone, I always remember the goals he scored in the playoffs, particularly the 2 goals below. He had that game breaking ability and came up big when the Penguins needed it on more than one occasion.
Up until Game 4, the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals were a repeat of the 2008 Finals. Red Wings win Game 1 and 2, the Penguins take Game 3. Game 4 of the Cup Finals was the Penguins chance to even the series and change the script from the previous season. 5:53 remaining in the 2nd period, Orpik chips the puck down the ice. Kennedy pressures Zetterberg, forces a turnover. Kunitz. Crosby. Kennedy. (Jump to 3:27 for the goal. Although I recommend watching all the highlights)
Mike Lange. The Igloo. Goose bumps.
After an absolutely brutal Game 5, the Penguins had their backs against the wall. The previous year the Red Wings hoisted the Stanley Cup after a Game 6 victory. The Penguins would have none of that in 2009. The goal TK stuffed home on Osgood with 14:25 left in the 3rd period of Game 6 ended up being the game winner. It was the insurance the Penguins needed as the Wings would end up getting a goal of their own later in the 3rd period. The Penguins win Game 6, setting up the biggest game of our lives. The rest as they say, is history. (TK's goal comes at 3:57, but once I again I highly recommend reliving the magic and watching the entire thing.)
I vividly remember my heart dropping when Cleary had that breakaway.
ROB SCUDERI DOE!!!
Kennedy's career in Pittsburgh came to an end on June 30, 2013 when he was traded to the San Jose Sharks for a 2nd round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. TK definitely had his struggles in Pittsburgh, but he gave it 120% when he was on the ice and was willing to do whatever it took. Some might be happy he is gone but there is no doubting all that he did for this franchise. TK helped bring the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh, and he will forever have a special place in Penguins history because of that. Tune in tomorrow for number 47, until then.
#FireRammer
Go Pens
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