Rickard Rakell looked like a new man last night in Chicago, in a 4-1 win for the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Chicago Blackhawks.
Playing with Sidney Crosby will do that for you.
With Jake Guentzel out for a considerable amount of time (anywhere up to four weeks), there became a wide open slot in Pittsburgh’s top six. Rakell, who has played with Crosby earlier in the season, was moved back to that spot last night, and it paid dividends immediately.
Rakell earned an assist on Crosby’s goal just 15 seconds into the game, giving the Penguins a very early 1-0 lead. More than just a goal however, this play helped erase the bad taste from Wednesday night as soon as possible.
Getting one in the back of the net early helped the Penguins establish momentum, which they never let go as they beat the Blackhawks 4-1 to spoil Connor Bedard’s return from a broken jaw.
Rakell also assisted on Crosby’s second goal of the game, coming in the third period to help the Penguins add an insurance marker.
Rakell’s 2 assists were the first points he had scored since January 27th (where he also had 2 assists), and it was just the third game in his last 10 where he recorded any points at all.
It’s no coincidence that Rakell’s elevated play came as a result of playing alongside Sidney Crosby, and playing his highest ice time total since January 26th. This has been the story of Rakell all season long: when he is playing on the top line, he looks great. Any other line? Invisible, if not outright terrible.
Of course, when everyone is healthy, it’s hard to get Rakell on the top line, spots that are usually reserved for Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust.
But now that Guentzel is out for an extended time, this is a pivotal chance for Rakell. It’s a chance to not only help turn around what has been a very underwhelming season for him, but also force head coach Mike Sullivan and the coaching staff to keep him on Sidney Crosby’s wing.
Despite his play being very noticeably better on Crosby’s wing, that hasn’t kept him in that spot before. So now, Rakell needs to play every game like he did last night. Perhaps shifting Bryan Rust down to the second line can also help spark them too (although thy didn’t need it last night; Reilly Smith continued his redemption tour with a goal).
As for the coaching staff, tonight was all the proof that you need that Rakell has to, has to, HAS TO stay on Crosby’s wing. Is it ideal that he can only play well there? Absolutely not. But as long as there is an absence there, that spot should be locked up for Rakell.
This was the Rakell that we know he can be. The Rakell that we have been dying to see for a long time now. Hold onto that for as long as you can, Sully.
(Featured photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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