Elias Pettersson returns to Canucks lineup vs. Penguins

Elias Pettersson is back just in time for Hockey Night in Canada.

The young Vancouver phenom returns to the lineup tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins after missing six games with a concussion.

Pettersson was dazzling in a top-six role with the Canucks, recording five goals and eight points in five games before he was injured in a game against the Florida Panthers. Pettersson was thrown to the ice by Florida blueliner Mike Matheson and suffered a concussion on the play. Despite being sidelined for the last two weeks, Pettersson still leads all NHL rookies in scoring.

The young Swede possesses some insane talent and is a treat to watch whenever he takes to the ice. The Canucks have surprised this season and are sitting second in the Pacific Division. Getting Pettersson back is obviously a huge boost. The 19-year-old will slot onto the top line with Nikolay Goldobin and the returning Brock Boeser.

The Canucks are also getting Boeser back in the lineup Saturday. The young sniper has sat out the last couple games with a groin injury and has terrorized Pittsburgh throughout his young career. In three career games against the Penguins, Boeser has six goals — including an overtime winner earlier this month and a hat trick against netminder Matt Murray last season.

Two huge pieces returning for the Canucks against a Pittsburgh team that just took down Alberta (Oilers, Flames) thanks to a couple ridiculous goals from their superstar Sidney Crosby. Timing couldn’t be better for Vancouver.