Kessel survived tough times to give Bruins breakout season

New coach Claude Julien gave him more time the following season and Kessel upped his goal total to 19 from 11. But by the time the playoffs rolled around, Julien decided Kessel's game was a little too soft for his liking and made him a healthy scratch three times in first round.

The message was clear and seemed to be received when Kessel got back in the lineup and showed the coach more oomph in his game. According to Julien, the young forward has found a way to carry that over this season and to take it to the next level.

"We see a different player, whether he acknowledges or not, but he's definitely matured into a better pro," Julien said. "Sometimes it's a matter of maybe finding something you have inside you didn't think you had. People around know there's more in there, and once those guys find it makes a whole difference in their game."

At both ends of the ice. The best part of Kessel's game is still in the opponents' zones, particularly in the prime scoring areas, and he has developed a real chemistry this season with Savard, whose passes often connect with the winger when he's in full stride and propels him past defenders.

But Kessel has also shown a willingness to take the puck to high-traffic areas and to work hard at improving his defense, which has resulted in more ice time. Julien even had him on in the final minute to help protect a one-goal lead last week at Tampa, although the coach might refrain from doing that in the future because Kessel dived head-first while trying to block a shot from the point.

"It was just a reaction," Kessel laughed. "But I'm glad it missed."

So are the Bruins.