[Kjesse]

Is there an angle which shows clearly if Kessel hit him with the second swing? I watched the video and wasn't sure if the random goon fell because of that or was already falling because of the melee. The best I can tell is Kessel tried to hit him low but might have just hit the skate blades.

Kessel's third strike was a spear according to the rule but its pretty clear it was to agitate not to injure. The third strike makes him look like a total coward.

The first strike he feared for his life, the second, he was carrying on like so many Vancouver rioters. Kind of like throwing a brick at a store window and missing. What's the penalty for that?

The Leafs lose this melee for the sole reason Clarkson is out 10 games. We'll see but the rest is likely not to matter that much. I could see Kessel getting a game or two, but sort of doubt it unless the second swing connected or if the league wants to send a message for what Kessel did a couple minutes later. Given his star status I doubt he gets much if anything.

The Leafs are going to be fun to watch this year, for the first time I'm excited to watch them, especially given I think the Senators have a lot of talent and its going to make for a great rivalry. Now we factor in this pre-season game and the ghetto to the south (I went to a Bills game, so I can comment with knowledge) and a story line is developing. I cheer for Buffalo over TO still though, at least for now.