Penguins Hornqvist Keeps Bangin’

As our Penguins enter the second half on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture looking in, it’s safe to say the season hasn’t gone as planned.

Dreams of an offensive dynamo were dashed early on as a squad built to score goals struggled to produce under former coach Mike Johnston. Stars like Sidney Crosby experienced epic droughts. Sixty-minute efforts were (and are) as rare as 1864 two-cent coins in mint condition.

At least one player bucks the trend. Patric Hornqvist provides palpable passion game in and game out. He bangs. He grinds. He fearlessly drives to the net and establishes squatter’s rights in the slot in a style reminiscent of fabled countryman Tomas Holmstrom. Often in the shadow of hulking defenders who mean to inflict bodily harm.

Indeed, on a team that features plenty of east-west play, Hornqvist’s decidedly north-south approach stands out. Drawn to the dirty areas like a moth to the flame, the bullish Nordic winger skates with a wrecking-ball abandon you wish was contagious.

“He’s a hard guy not to love,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s a passionate guy. He wears his emotions right on his sleeve. He brings a ton of energy on the bench.”

Acquired from Nashville in a controversial deal for James Neal in June 2014, Hornqvist does possess offensive pedigree. While not a pure scorer like Neal, the 5’11” 189-pounder’s topped 20 goals five times during his NHL career, including 30 in 2009-10 and 25 during his inaugural season with the black and gold (in only 64 games).

Through the early stages of this season, however, Hornqvist’s considerable sweat equity went largely unrewarded. Infected with the same offensive malaise as his high-profile teammates, the pocket power forward failed to register a point in 11 of 12 games before finally breaking through with an assist against Columbus on December 21.

Since then the Swedish import’s been on a roll, tallying four goals and four assists in his past 10 games. With three power-play markers during that span, Hornqvist’s a key factor in the team’s recent man-advantage resurgence. Possession-wise, he’s one of a handful of Pens with a positive Relative Corsi for % at even strength.

Number 72 has ramped up his physical play, too. Hornqvist’s 96 hits—third on the team—represent a career high. His 29 blocks (second among black-and-gold forwards) are approaching his top mark.

The Pens will require every ounce of Hornqvist’s abundant drive and energy if they’re to claw their way to a playoff berth. Not to mention continued offensive contributions from the man with the “Squiggy” haircut.

A task he’s up to, for sure.

Bonino Hurt

Center Nick Bonino is expected to miss at least a month with a hand injury, the Penguins announced today. Bonino was hurt during the third period of Tuesday night’s 3-2 overtime loss at Carolina.

The injury robs the Pens of one of their top penalty killers and faceoff men at a crucial time. Heading into Thursday night’s action the club trails Boston and New Jersey in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Eric Fehr will center the third line during Bonino’s absence. Sullivan suggested that a number of players could see PK duty, including recent call-ups Bryan Rust and Tom Kuhnhackl.