Ryan Wilson: The Patric Hornqvist problem The Patric Hornqvist problem

What I gather from this blog is that RW is afraid the Pens might Hornqvist their chances of going deep in the playoffs.

Riikki finally getting time in the A. Johnson up for Bland

He’s playing with a new center in Bjugstad, good player but not sid or geno. That also trades guentzel and Kessel for Simon...

In my opinion, he’s look good in that third line role. Big stretch to say a “healthy line up,” but if everyone dresses I’d think rust would be a great fit on that line

I mostly like what I've been seeing from that 3rd line with Horny on it and I dont think its far fetched to think he might start producing from there soon...to think he'd produce the same as with Sid is a bit foolish, but an uptick in production could happen and I think it will.

I like Hornquest and his style of play. I think each team needs a player like that to go deep and he's been good the last few runs.

That said, I was pretty impressed by his agent when he got that deal. $4mm range and he's good all day, $5+ is a bit to pay for his age and production.

Could easily argue that the AAv is ok but too much term. That being said, the window is now and closing. Don’t think anyone really expects them to be a cup favorite in year 3 of that deal

Blows my mind that Wilson isn't an NHL GM yet

Hornqvist is a complimentary piece. A player who needs a Crosby or Malkin to produce. That isn't a bad thing, but the way he plays the game and what he brings is a much needed aspect of teams.

The in your face, aggressive player who can park in front of the net and screen and or distract the goalie from making a save.

That only works when you are on a line with players who consistently get the puck to the net but also are able to control the transition into the opposing zone so Hornqvist can set up and do what he does. (HINT: he doesn't have that on the third line)

Not saying HE NEEDS to be with Sid or Geno but If he isn't going to be utilized there then replacing him on this team is a must. Let Edmonton get him to play with McDavid, or Buffalo to play with Eichel or worse yet the Capitals to play with Ovie. He will put numbers up again no problem.

Maybe there is a disconnect with Hornqvist, Sully, Crosby and or Malkin? Maybe it is injury that has hampered his play. But lets be real here. If he isn't playing with the right players only he and the team will suffer

Blows my mind that Wilson isn't an NHL GM yet
- LeafsPain54

Him and Tanner should be a GM Tandem

I said this months ago. If Hornqvist isn't in your top 6 you shouldn't have him on your team. If shots aren't going on net when he's on the ice, why bother having a net front guy with limited playmaking ability?

Maybe JR and Sullivan should have the occasional conversation about their views for personnel and deployments. It would appear they never discuss how players are to be used or even if they are to be used at all.....maybe we could have avoided the Ryan Reaves fiasco.

Honestly, like the JJ discussion, the Hornqvist discussion is moot. He’s not going anywhere and signed long term. The contract was a mistake and many knew it, but it is what it is.

In my opinion the third line has been pretty damn effective since put together. Is it good value to have a $5 mil guy barely produce at even strength? Absolutely not, but I think overall Hornqvist is still providing a positive given that the Bjugstad unit is generating chances consistently. With how great the first line is doing (the most natural place to stick Hornqvist), id keep giving this it’s extended look to see if Bjugstad and Hornqvist’s budding chemistry starts leading to Hornqvist goals. As time goes on we can evaluate if he’s fallen into Hagelin territory if he keeps being anemic, or if there's something there that just took a little while to click.

Cus I understand that you need to put guys in a position to succeed, but it’s also clear that Rust and McCann have passed him on the even strength pecking order and you have to reward that. If Hornqvist isn’t good enough to produce with a pretty talented 3rd line, then I don’t see why we should demote guys that are finding success in order to prop him up. I think he’ll be fine, at least for a little while longer.

Maatta ditched the no-contact jersey in morning skate. He must be close.

Maatta ditched the no-contact jersey in morning skate. He must be close.
- madmike71

RIP Pettersson

RIP Pettersson
- MattStrat

Yup.

In my opinion the third line has been pretty damn effective since put together. Is it good value to have a $5 mil guy barely produce at even strength? Absolutely not, but I think overall Hornqvist is still providing a positive given that the Bjugstad unit is generating chances consistently. With how great the first line is doing (the most natural place to stick Hornqvist), id keep giving this it’s extended look to see if Bjugstad and Hornqvist’s budding chemistry starts leading to Hornqvist goals. As time goes on we can evaluate if he’s fallen into Hagelin territory if he keeps being anemic, or if there's something there that just took a little while to click.

Cus I understand that you need to put guys in a position to succeed, but it’s also clear that Rust and McCann have passed him on the even strength pecking order and you have to reward that. If Hornqvist isn’t good enough to produce with a pretty talented 3rd line, then I don’t see why we should demote guys that are finding success in order to prop him up. I think he’ll be fine, at least for a little while longer.
- Victoro311

I agree the 3rd line has looked good. If I had to guess, it's exactly the type of line/work ethic Rutherford had in mind when he traded for Brassard.

I believe Hornie should be on the 1st line to get the most out of him, but I also completely believe Sid doesn't want to play with him. Let's face it, Crosby is going to get what he wants......and I don't really have a problem with it. The only way I'd be pissed is if Simon draws in over Hornie if McCann and Rust aren't available. Simon is not a 1st liner.

RIP Pettersson
- MattStrat

Yup

I think that Hulk Hogan

Just read the Jackets new blog. Theme: the importance of faceoffs...wasnt this being debated here yesterday?

Just read the Jackets new blog. Theme: the importance of faceoffs...wasnt this being debated here yesterday?
- MattStrat

They're in Ohio, it takes them a while to find out what the rest of the country already knows.

Just read the Jackets new blog. Theme: the importance of faceoffs...wasnt this being debated here yesterday?
- MattStrat

Yeah it's a very old and illogical thought.

Yeah it's a very old and illogical thought.
- Feds91Stammer

Okay, Tandog

Yeah it's a very old and illogical thought.
- Feds91Stammer

I was thinking about this the other day. I don’t think overall they are that important, but that’s not to say it’s completely unimportant.

I honestly think the only time they can really be critical is in 3-3 overtime.

I agree the 3rd line has looked good. If I had to guess, it's exactly the type of line/work ethic Rutherford had in mind when he traded for Brassard.

I believe Hornie should be on the 1st line to get the most out of him, but I also completely believe Sid doesn't want to play with him. Let's face it, Crosby is going to get what he wants......and I don't really have a problem with it. The only way I'd be pissed is if Simon draws in over Hornie if McCann and Rust aren't available. Simon is not a 1st liner.
- madmike71

But my think is that to get the best out of absolutely anyone the best place to put them is with Crosby. This argument over Hornqvist is the dollarstore version of the ZAR should be glued to Malkin because he's ineffective on the fourth line argument. What's the net gains is upping Hornqvist's production by putting him with Crosby at the expense of the diminished production of McCann/Rust who are preforming a lot better at even strength than Horni due to their demotion. My guess with the way Hornqvist has been producing is that there won't be net gains. At best we break even with Hornqvist getting a slight uptick and McCann/Rust continuing to score at their current rates with diminished ice time.

Given that this isn't a high reward proposition my approach would be to acknowledge that third line has been effective despite Hornqvist not producing, bank that the on ice effectiveness will at some point yield tangible results, and keep the juggernaut of a 1st line together cus it certainly ain't broke. If Hornqvist continues to not find the score sheet despite his unit's success, then we can start having the Hagelin conversation. Its not like he's playing on the 4th line and is being dragged down. Bjugstad and Simon are good hockey players and while neither are exactly the finishers that Hornqvist usually thrives with, pucks are being put on net.