Penguins' Phil Kessel: Fighting off illness

Kessel is dealing with an illness that kept him out of practice Monday.

Analysis:

Kessel is currently on a five-game point streak and is averaging a point per game this season, so losing him against Washington would be a significant setback. Despite playing on the Pens' third line, the winger has thrived this year and seems comfortable quietly racking up points without the pressure of being the go-to guy on the team. If Phil the Thrill is unable to get back to 100 percent before Wednesday's matchup, look for Tom Kuhnhackl to slot back into the lineup.