Penguins' Sullivan says Kessel's last 2 games 'his best since I've been here'

It's just two games but it appears Phil Kessel is finally playing like the All-Star the Pittsburgh Penguins were hoping for when they acquired him in July.

After exploding with a goal and four assists during Saturday's 7-2 rout over the Detroit Red Wings, the 28-year-old responded with another great performance Sunday, scoring a goal and assisting the game-winner in a 3-2 overtime win against the New York Rangers.

"I thought his last two games may have been his best since I've been here," praised head coach Mike Sullivan, whose team now sits just three points behind the Rangers, who currently hold home-ice advantage for a potential first-round playoff matchup.

"We like to use our speed to create offense," added linemate Carl Hagelin, who has two goals and an assist in the last two games. "His wrister is one of the hardest I've ever seen. He's fun to play with."

Now 8-2-0 in their past 10 games, Kessel and the Penguins will look to continue their impressive run against the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday.