Rickard Rakell Makes Bold Playoff Statement After Crushing Blue Jackets

The Pittsburgh Penguins picked up a huge win on Friday, and it's filled Rickard Rakell and the team with optimism about their chances to make the post-season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins odds to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season aren't fantastic, but after their latest win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, they've kept themselves alive in the race.

At this point in time, the Penguins sit six points back of the final Wild Card spot with five teams in between them and the Montreal Canadiens, but with plenty of games left, the team are keeping hope alive.

That's the message from veteran forward Rickard Rakell as well, who stated after their latest win that the team are going to continue giving it 100% until their season is over and they can't keep chasing.

"We're not going to give up. Obviously, we're some points out of the playoffs, but you never know. Just play every game like it's your last."

That's the type of belief and optimism that can will a team to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but with so many results needing to go their way over the final stretch, it's safe to say that Pittsburgh will need plenty of help to bring the team to the post-season.

Rakell himself has been key to the success of this team in 2024/25, notching his team leading 32nd goal in the win over Columbus, and while he may be a trade piece in the off-season, this is a player that can play a key role for the team down the stretch.