Jamie Oleksiak's dished out big hits, he's absorbed a few, and he's bounced back each time.
He's expected to rejoin the Penguins' lineup tonight against the Jets -- 7:08 p.m. faceoff at PPG Paints Arena -- after missing six games, initially to a concussion, then to Mike Sullivan's decisions over the past three. This return will be from being punched by the Capitals' Tom Wilson Dec. 19 in Washington, where the ongoing seven-game winning streak started.
It's no coincidence, Sullivan acknowledged, that Oleksiak will suit up against Winnipeg, the Western Conference's best team that's built on size as much as it is skill and speed.
"I think it certainly has something to do with it. Jamie's a guy who brings a lot of size, strength and grit. When you're facing bigger, stronger teams like this, he can be really effective for us," Sullivan said.
To continue reading, log into your account:
