If you’re a local Colorado Avalanche fan the silver lining is that you have recreational marijuana.

The Penguins did not play particularly well, yet still won the game by a score of 4-1.

Patric Hornqvist scored a power play goal and an even-strength goal to pace the Penguins and raise his season total to 17. He had been playing without Sidney Crosby in recent games, but an injury to Bryan Rust opened the door for the two players to join forces again.

It is unknown how serious the injury is to Bryan Rust at this time, but the speculation isn’t great. He could have a broken wrist. While the reason for Hornqvist going back to Sid isn’t good it was time to make that move anyways



Crosby probably likes the speed that Rust brings to his line, but the tangible results haven’t been as good with him as they have been with Hornqvist.

Under normal circumstances, replacing Bryan Rust in the lineup wouldn’t be as difficult. Conor Sheary has the ability to play on the right wing, but he is obviously not an option right now. Phil Kessel and Patric Hornqvist is a really good one-two combo for the top two lines.

Here's one way Sullivan could use his lines assuming Malkin returns next game

Kunitz-Crosby-Hornqvist
Guentzel-Malkin-Kessel
Cullen-Bonino-Wilson
Kuhnhackl-Rowney-Fehr

If Malkin is unable to go the team will more than likely need to go the 11F and 7D route.

In other news Daniel Sprong continues to do damage in the QMJHL

#Pens prospect Daniel Sprong over his last 4 games:
2G (+2)
1A (+1)
1G-3A (+5)
1G-2A (+2)

— Seth Lakso (@CVSethLakso) February 9, 2017

The Arizona Coyotes are up next as the Sidney Crosby 1,000 point watch continues.

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