PITTSBURGH – Rickard Rakell has struggled for much of the 2023-24 season, but he appears to be finding some rhythm when the Pittsburgh Penguins needed him most. After going 15 games without a goal, Rakell has helped the Penguins with tallies in back-to-back games.
The Penguins announced that Jake Guentzel would be heading to injured reserve with no option for him to return until at least March 10. With him out of the lineup, the Penguins turned to Rakell to fill in the open roster spot.
Rakell is no stranger to the first line with Sidney Crosby, but this season hasn’t been kind to Rakell in any way. However, when the Penguins needed him most, he and Crosby found some magic.
In a thrilling 7-6 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, Rakell found his way back to the scoresheet thanks to a nifty pass from Crosby. In the following contest against one of the top teams in the NHL, Rakell amplified his game again.
Rakell picked up two goals, including one with a 5-on-3 opportunity against the Vancouver Canucks. Once again, Crosby assisted both, but Rakell showed he still has something left to give to the Penguins.
With the trade deadline under two weeks away, the Penguins are still trying to decide a direction. These recent wins have made Kyle Dubas’ decision-making difficult, but Rakell is doing the team favors no matter what.
If the Penguins are committing to pushing for the postseason, Rakell waking up could be a massive boost for the Penguins lineup. If Rakell is on the move, however, his finding a groove will only boost his draft capital and give the Penguins a better chance at a solid return.
Regardless of the direction the Penguins are heading, Rakell chose a great time to step up his game and find the back of the net with more regularity.
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