A Pittsburgh Penguins forward is tied for second in the NHL in points scored, second in the NHL in points on the power play, and first in the league in shots taken. It isn’t Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, or Chris Kunitz. It’s new Penguins winger Patric Hornqvist.
Hornqvist, 27, was acquired from the Nashville Predators along with Nick Spaling in a draft-day trade this April. On the other end of the exchange was fan favorite and former 40-goal scorer James Neal. Hornqvist had only ever played in Nashville’s defensive-oriented system and it was unknown how we would transition into Pittsburgh’s up-tempo offense. After four games, it seems that question has been answered.
His two goal effort was the deciding factor in Saturday night’s win over the Islanders. Hornqvist now has four goals and four assists and has scored at least one point in each of the team’s first four games. He’s also been an integral part of the league’s top ranked power play, frequently by planting himself in front of the opposing team’s goaltender.
“Unbelievable,” said Malkin when asked to describe Hornqvist’s play thus far, “He has a good shot, moves the puck, and he’s coming to the net every time … and [Saturday] he scored because he’s going to the net.”
Hornqvist graciously deflected the praise to his teammates. “They’re unbelievable, obviously, Sid and Geno together is probably the best pair in the world, and Letang is great on the point, and Kunitz is awesome in front,” he said when asked about the Penguins top power play unit.
Hornqvist has also been able to amass an incredible number of shots. His 28 shots through four games leads the team by a wide margin, and has him tied at the top the league. “Our team philosophy is to keep teams off balance with the shot; so get a volume of shots,” said Head Coach Mike Johnston, “Hornqvist has been one of the leaders in that area. When he gets a chance to shoot, he’s not afraid to shoot.”
With a shoot-first mentality, and a willingness to go to the front of the net, Hornqvist should soon become a fan favorite. Although his start has been impressive, he knows that it will take a sustained effort to maintain his current pace throughout the long NHL season. “Yeah we got it going right now, but we have to keep working, and don’t sit back here,” he said, “Keep it going.”
The Penguins’ fans certainly hope that he is able to.
