I hope you're right, because he in no way resembles a 7mil player right now. Even if he's having trouble adjusting to great centers, he's struggling to do the basics. He fanned on another great chance last night. My concern is he's got the mindset where he doesn't have to take the initiative because Sid or Geno will create all of the chances.

Keep in mind Neal didn't have Malkin or Crosby at center that year.
- madmike71

That bit about the mind set is hokey. There has been zero effort issue with Phil Kessel. Even last night he was buzzing around back checking and creating turnovers with his stick work. His issue is fanning on chances. He's snake bit. He's yet to recover his confidence like Crosby, Hornqvist, Letang, and Maatta have. Malkin never lost his. If we go on a win streak I have a feeling The Phil will turn it on. He was one of the few guys who could score on this team during the first quarter of the season, and he will be back.

“I see it on the way down and I try to play it before it can bounce,” Cole said. “It just happens to bounce early and bounces over my stick right on his tape.”

50/50 puck as the last man back you ALWAYS play the man not the puck. Minor hockey 101. If Cole just tied up his stick there is no shot.