However you feel about the way the hit on Toby Enstrom played out - many believe the Jets defenseman put himself in a vulnerable position - it’s clear that the Penguins recalled Tom Sestito because they anticipated a physical game on Wednesday.
Now, the maliciousness of such intents? That’s where things get fuzzy and controversial, prompting Jets head coach Paul Maurice to possibly get himself in a little trouble.
Maurice noted that there was “no cost” to the Penguins to call up Sestito, a player who hadn’t appeared in the NHL since November. When asked if he believes that Sestito was recalled to do something, Maurice responded “They didn’t call him up to dangle.”
(Burn.)
After that zinger, he went back into dry coach mode when asked if Sestito should be suspended, merely saying that he’s sure the NHL has a “plan” about him.
Maurice noted that Enstrom has been hospitalized out of fear of facial fractures, noting that the Jets lost a “good defenseman” on Wednesday.
Here’s full footage of Maurice’s comments:
"He’s at the hospital now getting checked for facial fractures." Maurice gives the update on Enstrom, and discusses the loss to Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/FFYB3GjUmv
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 9, 2017
The Penguins have bad injury news of their own as Patric Hornqvist is reportedly suffering from a concussion.
Hornqvist was diagnosed with a concussion. Sent back to Pittsburgh. Not necessarily ruled out for rest of road trip -SK
— Pens Inside Scoop (@PensInsideScoop) March 9, 2017
For what it’s worth, the Jets weren’t negative toward the Penguins in every regard, as Blake Wheeler said he respected that Evgeni Malkin “answered the bell” for a controversial hit by engaging in their brief fight.
"A lot of respect for him answering the bell... It was good to get that out of the way." Wheeler on Malkin, and the loss to Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/a8yYUEB6yQ
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 9, 2017