Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk is expected to rejoin the lineup ahead of Wednesday's contest versus the Montreal Canadiens.
The Winnipeg Jets are set to welcome back a key piece of their blue line on Wednesday, with veteran defenseman Neal Pionk expected to rejoin the lineup against the Montreal Canadiens.
Pionk has missed the past four games with a lower-body injury suffered early in a matchup against the Minnesota Wild. The 33-year-old exited just over two minutes into the first period after delivering a routine check on Danila Yurov in the Jets’ zone. He immediately skated away doubled over, clutching his right knee, an alarming sight given the otherwise harmless nature of the play.
The injury raised additional concern because Pionk had already been sidelined earlier this year. In March, he missed a full month with a separate undisclosed lower-body issue before returning in mid-April.
Before the latest setback, Pionk had been finding his stride as the 30-year-old posted one goal and two assists in the five games leading up to the injury. He has five points through 21 contests this season that puts him on pace for a modest 20-point year, though his history suggests more offense is likely ahead as Pionk has topped the 30-point mark in six straight seasons.
Pionk’s presence should provide stability on the back end and spark the transition game the Jets rely on. If his past performances after returning from injury are any indication, Wednesday could mark the beginning of another steady stretch for the Omaha native.
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