Backchecking the Penguins: October 2nd

Hornqvist doubtful for opening night.  Coach Mike Sullivan confirmed today.

Coach Sullivan on Hornqvist: “We’d like to get him practicing with the team before he plays. We don’t think he’ll be ready for Wednesday.”

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 2, 2017

If Hornqvist goes on the injured list, Penguins don’t need to make further cuts before season-opening roster is due at 5 pm tomorrow.

— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) October 2, 2017

Here is what the lines looked like at practice today.  Wilson has settled into the role on the 4th line.  McKegg you got the job! In case you didn’t hear, the third line center position was the talk of the offseason.  He will be flanked by Hagelin and Kuhnhackl.  Hagelin looks like he is the speed demon we are used to seeing. Kuhnhackl had a noticeable improvement in his skating in the preseason games:

#Pens lines at practice:
Guentzel-Crosby-Sheary
Rust-Malkin-Kessel
Hagelin-McKegg-Kuhnhackl
Wilson-Rowney-Reaves

— Josh Getzoff (@PensJG) October 2, 2017

#Pens d-pairings:
Dumoulin-Letang
Maatta-Schultz
Hunwick-Cole
Pouliot-Ruhwedel

— Josh Getzoff (@PensJG) October 2, 2017

-Hornqvist did skate before the full team practice.

Patric Hornqvist skates on his own before the team takes the ice. We hope to see him with the rest of the guys soon! pic.twitter.com/SNwoRh688r

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 2, 2017

However, things DO NOT sound good in Detroit. Ken Holland appeared on NHL Gameday with Steve Kouleas. Based on this interview, Andreas Anthanasiou will take the Red Wings offer, or go to the KHL…and the KHL is currently winning. Based on Dan Kingerski’s reporting, the Anthanasiou signing is the domino which must fall for the Penguins to get Riley Sheahan and possible sign Russian free agent Danis Zaripov. Just listen to the resignation in Holland’s voice: