Sestito back, adds punch at forward

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Tom Sestito was joking when he laid out what he thought the reasoning was for his call-up to the Penguins Wednesday.

“I thought maybe it was for goal-scoring that they wanted me up here,” he said, with a grin.

Well, he was either joking or the Penguins need to seriously evaluate their communication procedures.

In reality, Sestito was recalled to bring an element of physicality against the Winnipeg Jets after the last meeting between the teams got a bit chippy.

Sestito was one of two players the Penguins called up from AHL Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Wednesday, the other being defenseman Cameron Gaunce. Defenseman Derrick Pouliot, who missed practice Tuesday due to illness, was reassigned to Wilkes-Barre.

“Tommy's played extremely well down there in Wilkes-Barre for us,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s played a number of games for us this year. He certainly brings a physical element to our team. He’s a good teammate, I know our guys really enjoy him, and he’s a guy that we think can help us win.”

Sullivan said he expected a physical game from the Jets Wednesday, but noted he didn’t want that to change how the Penguins approach things.

The first meeting between the two teams — a 4-3 overtime win for the Penguins — was highlighted by Sidney Crosby notching his 1,000th career point, but also featured a good deal of physicality from both teams.

“They’ve got good size, they skate well, and I think that’s part of the identity of their group,” Sullivan said. “Our team has been through this on a number of occasions against a number of different teams. I think our players are well aware of what to expect and the type of game that’s going to be played. Our challenge is to find a way to try to be successful.” For Sestito, that means embracing the physical side of his game. He hasn’t played for the Penguins since December and has one assist and 24 penalty minutes in eight NHL games this season.

“I think it’s a role that I’ve had my whole career,” he said. “I know one way to play. If it’s a more physical team, if it’s not, I play the same way every game.”

Murray gets the nod

Matt Murray started in net for the Penguins, despite being pulled after the first period of their 4-3 comeback win Sunday against Buffalo.

Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all 28 shots he faced in relief against the Sabres, but missed practice Tuesday due to illness — a factor Sullivan said played into the decision.

“The fact that he was ill [Tuesday] certainly makes it a little bit easier for us to make that decision on who’s going,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan reiterated that the coaching staff has a game plan in place for their goaltending rotation for the rest of the season. But that game plan is still written in pencil.

“Nothing’s etched in stone, and performance always is going to become part of the dictating factor when it comes to determining who plays goal,” Sullivan said.

Small, but loud

With a capacity of 15,294, Winnipeg’s MTS Centre holds the fewest fans in the league. It doesn’t usually sound that way, though. “I think it’s a great atmosphere,” Sullivan said. “This building always has great energy. They’re very supportive fans, it’s a fun place to play.”

Hornqvist out with injury

Winger Patric Hornqvist did not play for the Penguins due to an undisclosed injury. He played 15:28 in the win against the Sabres and practiced with the team Tuesday.