Injury Update: Sullivan encouraged by Hornqvist’s progress

The Pittsburgh Penguins took to the ice for practice today for the first time since defeating the Ottawa Senators in a brutal, hard fought seven game series. With only a few days to rest and recuperate, the team has to be encouraged by the sight of Patric Hornqvist this morning.

According to NHL.com’s Wes Crosby, Hornqvish skated alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, and Justin Schultz, on the team’s top PP unit during special teams practice. That’s a good sign for Hornqvist and the Pens and points to a possible return to the lineup for game 1. Head coach  Mike Sullivan added that he’s "definitely encouraged" by Hornqvist's status.

The 30 year old winger has been out of the Pens lineup since game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Ottawa Senators and his return could provide a real boost to the Pens top six forward group. The plucky winger is unafraid to crash the net and dig the puck out of the corner for more skilled players like Crosby, Kessel and Malkin. His absence has been felt and his return will definitely give the Pens and added offensive threat.