The previous time this season that Phil Kessel played on a line with Evgeni Malkin, things did not go terribly well. There were some decent results, sure, but the relationship wound up necessitating a one-on-one conversation between Kessel and Penguins coach Mike Sullivan about the need to shoot more and pass less.
Whether it was Kessel feeling deferential or finding success as a passer — a part of his game that has always been underrated — Kessel wasn’t using his greatest weapon.
Taking another swing at that combination Saturday with the Detroit Red Wings in town, Malkin and new lineman Carl Hagelin made sure Kessel had no other choice but to shoot the puck.