PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan)- It's almost here. We're inching closer and closer to playoff hockey.
The Isles have posted some pedestrian numbers offensively this season, but it's their defense that catches Hornqvist's eye coming in.
"They're obviously really good defensively so we have to score on the scoring chances we get and don't get frustrated if you don't get chances for a few shifts," said Hornqvist. "Their defense is really good and I think their goals against is one of the lowest in the league so, just stay with it. We know we have a good group and it's going to be a good match-up against a good team."
"We have to make sure we take care of the puck, that's going to be key in this series. Don't give their transition game the chance to be the difference. If we don't have the chance to skate it in, we have to make sure we get it deep and create our chances that way."
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Hornqvist talked about some of the struggles he's had this year offensively and what it's like to go through slumps and come out on the other side.
"You question yourself [a little bit] but then at the same time, you have to make sure you do the right things out there. That's shooting the puck, taking pucks to the net for me and some guys are different obviously," said Hornqvist. "Phil (Kessel) is a way more skilled player than me so he probably finds a way to hold on to the puck more but when you go through those slumps you always feel like when you're supposed to one-time the puck you hold on to it and when you're supposed to hold on to it then you one-time it. Your timing is a little off and it's always nice to get off those slumps for sure."
Hornqvist said that with younger players on the roster, he has taken a mentorship role with them. He has showed them how to prepare, how to watch film and learn from games afterward and how you need to have a short memory in the playoffs.
He said despite the ups and downs this season, the Penguins don't lack confidence in what they can accomplish in the postseason and the coaching staff contributes to that.
"The management, the staff, they know how to win. They do everything for us, the smallest little things at the rink, we get everything we want. I think we have an advantage there, for sure."