Patric Hornqvist may not be playing, but his playoff beard is glorious

Hornqvist hasn't played since early December but has remained an integral part of Florida's success

One of the key players helping the Florida Panthers make their improbable run to the Stanley Cup Final has been doing so without skating in a single playoff game.

Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice has been leaning on veteran forward Patric Hornqvist for much of the season.

Hornqvist hasn't played in a game since Dec. 3. He was placed in the NHL's concussion protocol and has not been cleared for contact since.

That hasn't stopped him from coming to the rink every single day, doing whatever he can to make his teammates better.

His knowledge and expertise has been vital in the weight room, during video sessions and on the ice when the Cats practice.

"His energy level every single day in practice in the weight room, getting on the bus, get on the plane... It's great to see somebody at that age appreciate the game as much as he does," Maurice said earlier this season.

He's affectionately referred to as Coach Horny, though Hornqvist is not ready for that to be his official moniker and he usually furrows his brow when he hears it.

To be fair, there aren't many people referred to as 'coach' who can compete with, and get the better of, his players the way Hornqvist still has the ability to.

His on-ice abilities have played a big part in helping Florida's ailing players, of which they've had many this season, to work their way back into game shape, with Coach Horny on the ice to simulate the speed of an NHL game like few others could.

"He's done a marvelous job in helping us to return players to play because he's the guy that's out there working with them every day and skating with them," Maurice said. "If you can keep up with Horny, you can play. He might probably still the fittest guy in our room right now."

Throughout the postseason, Hornqvist has been there with the Panthers every step of the way.

He's in every meeting and on the ice for every skate.

He's just as much a part of this Stanley Cup Final run as any man in that room, and each one of them would back that statement up.

You can see the passion and dedication demonstrated on his face every single day.

Literally.

Hornqvist's playoff beard is a thing of beauty, and the fact that it can't be displayed and appreciated on a grander scale is a small piece of the unfortunate situation of him being unable to suit up and play.

But regardless of how difficult and frustrating it must be, Coach Horny doesn't let it show.

He's the exact same guy, on and off the ice, keeping his teammates in line while making them crack up at the same time.

"He's just been a big positive energy in a difficult situation for him," said Maurice.

Here's to Patric Hornqvist's playoff beard.

May it live on for a couple more weeks.