Penguins Skate: Hornqvist Returns to Ice, Jarry First Off

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Patric Hornqvist has rejoined the Penguins on the ice but will not rejoin the lineup Friday night in Nashville. According to team media, the Penguins rambunctious winger took part in the Penguins morning skate Friday at Bridgestone Arena but head coach Mike Sullivan said Hornqvist would not play.

Hornqvist has endured two extended absences this season. The winger who turns 33-years-old on Jan. 1,  has 11 points (6g, 5a) in 20 games. However, he had a five-game pointless streak before suffering a lower body injury. Hornqvist last played on Nov. 30 against the St. Louis Blues but suffered the injury in practice the following day.

Hornqvist was not a full participant on Friday morning. He skated on the extra line with call-up Thomas Di Pauli and assistant coach Mark Recchi.

The team media also reported the Penguins did not depart for Nashville until 9 a.m. Friday morning, which is likely due to NHL holiday break rules. The Penguins are 21-11-4 and are the second Wild-Card in the Eastern Conference, and just one point behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third place in the Metro Division and three points behind the New York Islanders for second place. The Penguins also have a game in hand on Philadelphia.

In addition to Patric Hornqvist, the Penguins hope Sidney Crosby and Nick Bjugstad will soon return to the lineup. Sullivan said centers have begun skating with the Penguins skills coach.

Goalie Tristan Jarry was the first goalie off the ice, which is a typical indicator of the starting goalie.

The Penguins lines at the skate:

Guentzel-Malkin-Rust

Galchenuk-McCann-Kahun

Aston-Reese–Blueger–Tanev

Lafferty-Blandisi-Simon

Johnson-Letang

Riikola-Marino

Pettersson-Ruhwedel

Jarry

PHN will update the story after the Penguins locker room availability. The story was updated from the original version which stated Hornqvist was unlikely to play.