Effects of concussion not to blame for slump, Penguins’ Patric Hornqvist says

It’s a fairly clear and direct line that can be drawn. Patric Hornqvist has been one of the NHL’s most consistent goal-scorers for a decade, scoring between 21 and 30 goals for eight consecutive full seasons – and he was on pace to end up in the high end of that window once again during this recently-completed season.

Then, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward suffered a concussion when he absorbed a puck to the face Jan. 8 at Florida. That cost him four games that he couldn’t play in. But did it also cost him his goal-scoring mojo?

No, Hornqvist insisted during a season wrap-up session with media Thursday.

“I just didn’t play well,” he said, “and had that slump there for a long time and it’s hard to get out of those when you get in those. And then it feels like you’re doing the right thing and the puck doesn’t go your way and you get frustrated and that’s probably the worst thing you can do.”

Counting his scoreless four games during the sweep by the Islanders, Hornqvist had three goals (12 points) over his 39 games after the concussion. He had 15 goals in the 34 games to that point of the season.

Hornqvist twice quickly shot down any questions regarding any worries he might have in relation to suffering concussion or on its effects on his game.

Hornqvist, 32, is entering the second season of a five-year, $26.5 million contract extension he signed last year.

“I learned a lot from this season,” Hornqvist said. “We didn’t have the result that we wanted as a team and for myself too, I didn’t play as good as I can and regroup and go.”

Keep up with the Pittsburgh Penguins all season long.