Another comment on Hornqvist and why he should be playing in the top 6....
HockeyBuzz.com - Ryan Wilson - The Patric Hornqvist problem
I'm pretty much onboard with how "Gunner Staal" evaluates Patric Hornqvist but I also am in no rush to get rid of him unless he prevents the Pens from pursuing something better. Hornqvist has an incredible knack for knocking in garbage goals but he lacks the skills to create those opportunities on his own, he's also unwilling or unable to create controlled entries.
Here's where I think Malkin's injury might be an opportunity to get things on the right foot in time for the playoffs: Since Bjugstad appears to be the 3C we all hoped and dreamed he could be, I'd like to see a 2nd line of Simon-Bjugstad-Kessel. Simon is a Corsi god, or at least a Corsi elf, in that whatever line he's on sees a boost in possession and scoring chances. Bjugstad actually has really impressive hands and an ability to protect the puck. I feel like though if he had Kessel setting up to receive a pass instead of Hornqvist crashing the net, he'd get a bit more room as players would have to respect the passing option more since when "Bjug Nick Energy" starts dangling towards the net, and Hornqvist is already at the net, it's not a big mystery as to where Nick is heading. And as hard as that large Minnesotan can shoot the puck, his aim is atrocious.
That leaves Blueger as the 3C between Hornqvist & Rust/McCann/ZAR, until Teddy is eventually relieved by Malkin. That gives us back the Crosby, Malkin and Kessel on 3 separate lines depth again.
So maybe...
Guentzel - Crosby - Rust
Simon - Bjugstad - Kessel
McCann - Bleuger - Hornqvist
Then after Malkin comes back...
Guentzel - Crosby - Rust
McCann - Malkin - Hornqvist
Simon - Bjugstad - Kessel