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Malkin: Kessel ‘can score 50 goals’ with Crosby

Olympic men's Hockey semi-final

Olympic men’s Hockey semi-final

Toronto Star via Getty Images

In Toronto, Phil Kessel’s center was Tyler Bozak.

In Pittsburgh, Kessel is expected to start on a line with Sidney Crosby.

Think expectations are high for the newly acquired sniper?

“I think if he plays with Sid he can score 50 goals, at least,” said Pittsburgh’s other star center, Evgeni Malkin, per the National Post. “He’s got everything: the shot, the speed, he’s special.”

Over the last five years, Crosby’s most common wingers at even strength have been Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis. Last year, he spent most of his time with Kunitz and Patric Hornqvist.

Chemistry is a tough thing to predict, but in theory, both Crosby and Kessel have the burst to create scoring chances off the rush. If Crosby can get Kessel the puck in the right places, and do that often, in the words of Jonathan Toews, “we’re all in trouble.”

Related: “It’s hard to find players like Phil Kessel”