NHL

Phil Kessel had the last laugh on USA Hockey

"Felt like I should be doing something important, but couldn't put my finger on it."

Phil Kessel celebrates his goal during the third period of Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chris O'Meara/AP Photo

Former Bruins winger Phil Kessel was snubbed by Team USA for the World Cup of Hockey, but he delivered a tasteful burn after the Red, White and Blue was ignominiously eliminated on Tuesday night.

The 4-2 loss to Canada sent the U.S. out of the tournament after only two games (both losses). Kessel, meanwhile, took to Twitter to explain his thoughts on not being included on the roster of 23:

Kessel was overlooked by team officials because he didn’t fit the mold of “gritty” players. This came despite his immense production during the 2014 Winter Olympics, when he lead the tournament in points, scoring five goals with three assists. He was also a member of the 2010 silver medal team at the Vancouver Games.

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On top of his international production, Kessel also helped the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup earlier in 2016.

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