RALEIGH, N.C. -- Patric Hornqvist declared himself good to go after Friday's morning skate at PNC Arena. Barring any last-minute setbacks — he's been declared a game-time decision — it would appear that he'll be back in the lineup after missing the past eight games.
While sitting out is never easy, at least he could take some consolation in seeing the Penguins win. They were 6-1-1 in his absence
"Obviously not great being on the sideline but it's part of the game," said Hornqvist, who had been out since Feb. 2. "But rehab went well. I feel good, feel strong and ready to go."
In 49 games this season, Hornqvist has 16 goals to go along with 15 assists. His nine power play goals are tied for second on the team and it's with the man advantage that he was missed most. The Penguins have gone 2-of-15 in the last eight games.
"He's as good a net presence as there is in the league," Mike Sullivan declared. "He takes the goalie's sightlines away, limits the goalie's mobility around the crease, he retrieves loose pucks, and puck battles in the corner or off a lost faceoff. He's always got his nose over the pucks and I think that's what he brings to our power play that helps them to have success. I think he brings the same elements to our 5-on-5 game."
Hornqvist had been skating on the second line with Evgeni Malkin and fellow Swede Carl Hagelin and will likely return there tonight with Bryan Rust moving up to the top line.
"It doesn't really matter what line you're playing with, you're playing with some pretty special players whether it's Sid, Geno, (or) Phil. There's lots of guys in this room that are special players."
Rookie Zach Aston-Reese, who was recalled on Feb. 3, had been taking Hornqvist's spot on the top power play unit but will likely be bumped down to the second unit.
"Whenever you're in the lineup, its a good day when you're in the NHL," Aston-Reese said.
NEWS AND NOTES
• With the deadline coming Monday, there are certainly plenty of rumors flying around, but Sullivan says he doesn't concern himself with it.
"We're trying to win the one game right in front of us," he said. "We're going to control what we can. We're going to coach the players that we have that are available to us each and every game. That's how I look at it."
• Ryan Reaves was still on the ice well after his teammates came off, meaning that he could be scratched tonight.
• Tom Kuhnhackl won't play tonight but he did skate Friday in practice.