Inside Scoop: Pens-Flyers (Game 4)
* Perhaps the biggest storyline surrounding the Pens entering Game 4 will be the absence of winger Patric Hornqvist. The loss of Hornqvist will be felt both on and off the ice.
"You can't really replace a guy like that. It has to be by committee," forward Jake Guentzel said. "We believe in our group. I think we can do it."
On the ice, Hornqvist plays a physical and intense game. He's an irritating player for opponents to handle with his stubborn ability to crash the net, fight for puck retrievals and is never deterred by taking abuse.
Hornqvist is also the heart and soul of the team. His excitement, joy and high-energy attitude is infectious down the bench. Replacing what Hornqvist does on the ice will be hard enough. Replacing what he does in the locker room may be impossible.
"Everyone talks about the energy he brings in the locker room before the game and in warmups," winger Zach Aston-Reese. "That's hard to replace. On the ice, being an agitator, being tough around the net and getting under the opponent's skin, an awareness level needs to be raised."
* Although the Pens' lineup has changed with much frequency in recent games, Hornqvist's last position was alongside Sidney Crosby and Guentzel. The two most likely replacements in that position would either be Dominik Simon or Aston-Reese.
The Pens used Simon in Hornqvist's position during Tuesday's practice session. However, that could have been on a temporary fill in basis. Both youngsters are ready if called upon.
"It's always unfortunate whenever one of your teammates goes down, especially a guy like Horny," Aston-Reese said. "That said, guys need to step up. When an opportunity presents itself like this you just want to take full advantage of it."
* Apart from possibly getting to play alongside Crosby and Guentzel in the highest stakes game in his career, tonight will also be Simon's NHL postseason debut.
"I think I'm ready," he said. "Let's see tonight. I'll try to see it as a regular-season game and bring the excitement and energy."
* As far as the power play is concerned, Hornqvist will definitely be missed. He had 15 power-play goals in the regular season, which tied for third overall in the entire NHL. He is arguably one of the best net-front presences in the league with his ability to screen goaltenders, tip pucks and create matchup problems for defensemen. With Hornqvist out, Guentzel will likely bump up onto the top power-play unit.
Guentzel has a different skill set when compared to Hornqvist. He's much better at tipping shots, making passes and creating plays. Though he'll try to emulate a little of Hornqvist's game, Guentzel won't change the type of player he is.
"If I get that chance I'll try to do some of what he does," Guentzel said. "You have to get that front of the net presence. Hornqvist does such a good job at what he does. He'll obviously be missed."
* Aston-Reese has been compared a lot in his young career to Hornqvist for the similarities in each of their games. Which is something that Aston-Reese views as a blessing and curse.
"It is nice to hear that, at the same time it is big shoes to fill," Aston-Reese said. "Playing outside of myself isn't a good idea."
But Aston-Reese certainly aspires to be on Hornqvist's level.
"(I'm) not to his degree yet, but it's something I'm working toward," he said. "In his absence someone has to step up."
