Penguins' Hornqvist will play Game 1 vs. Predators

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist will return to the lineup Monday for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Nashville Predators, head coach Mike Sullivan announced after the team's morning skate.

The 30-year-old was expected to be a game-time decision after Sullivan stated as such Sunday saying he was "definitely encouraged" by Hornqvist's progress.

Hornqvist hasn't suited up since Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Ottawa Senators, but on Sunday he was practicing alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, and Justin Schultz on the team's top power-play unit.

The veteran forward will be a key cog in breaking through the Predators elite defense corps, while his offensive contributions will go a long way as well.