PITTSBURGH – Since his departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jake Guentzel has wasted no time making a huge difference with his new club. In just five games as a member of the Carolina Hurricanes, Guentzel has produced at a stellar rate and has helped them reach a four-game winning streak.
The Hurricanes lost in a 1-0 shutout to the New York Rangers in Guentzel’s debut with the team, but it’s been all uphill ever since. In the last four games, Guentzel has recorded two goals and six assists for eight total points. It doesn’t count towards the goal total, but Guentzel buried a shootout winner against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Guentzel’s eight points are the most in the NHL since the date of his debut with the Hurricanes.
Guentzel has been skating on the second line with Martin Necas and fellow newcomer Evgeny Kuznetsov. The three of them have combined for 16 points in this four-game stretch.
Thanks to the success of their second line, the Hurricanes are just two points back of the Rangers for the lead in the Metropolitan Division.
The Penguins host the Hurricanes one more time this season on March 26 in what is sure to be an emotional return to Pittsburgh for Guentzel. There will undoubtedly be a welcome-back video and plenty of fans in Guentzel jerseys throughout PPG Paints Arena. It’s safe to assume he may also put up a point or two.
No matter what happens with the Penguins and Hurricanes this season, Guentzel is at the end of his contract and due for a big payday. Even before this recent run, he could have demanded somewhere around $10 million annually. Now, it’s looking more like a guarantee he’ll net a huge amount.
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