Rakell Rejoins the Penguins: Navigating His Spot Between Top Lines

Rickard Rakell laced up his skates and joined the Pittsburgh Penguins for practice this Friday, and it’s got everyone talking. Thanks to Taylor Haase from DK Pittsburgh Sports, we know Rakell hit the ice alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel. He even got some time with the second power-play unit.

Prior to his injury, it was evident that Rakell’s season wasn’t shaping up as expected. There were growing whispers about his potential move to the Crosby line, a conversation that’s not entirely new among those who follow the team closely. Rakell’s injury, however, threw a wrench into these plans.

It wasn’t just a setback for him personally; it also disrupted the team’s line chemistry and strategies. As Rakell worked on his recovery, questions loomed about his role upon returning and how his absence might have reshaped the team’s approach.

This leads us to a big question that’s buzzing around among Penguins fans: Which line will Rakell be part of when he’s fully ready to hit the rink in a game? It’s a hot topic and one worth exploring. It’s important to highlight that Rakell’s time on the Crosby line is primarily a result of Rust’s injury.

But this situation also opens the door for speculation and strategic analysis. How will Rakell’s return influence the dynamics of the top lines? His previous performance, coupled with his period of recovery, adds an intriguing layer to this discussion.

Rakell’s Fit on Crosby’s Line: Temporary or Long-Term Solution?

Bryan Rust being out with an injury opens the door for Rickard Rakell to step up to the Crosby line, at least for now. This shake-up has Penguins fans talking, and it’s not just idle chatter.

Rakell hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboard this season, which raises some eyebrows. But here’s an interesting twist: remember how well he meshed with the Crosby line last season? With Rakell now over his injury hump and Crosby playing like he’s found a time machine back to his younger days (especially his phenomenal run in December), this could be a game-changer for the top line.

The real deal-breaker is whether Rakell can rediscover that sweet spot with Crosby and Jake Guentzel. If he does, it’s going to be like a goal-scoring reunion. For Rakell, getting back into that groove with those guys could be the key to turning his and the Penguins season around – and boosting the whole line’s performance.

Rakell’s Fit on Malkin’s Line: The Beautiful Ugly

Flipping the script to Rakell’s 2023 run on the Malkin line, things have been a bit puzzling. Sure, he’s notched four assists, but that’s pretty much the whole story.

Yet, it’s intriguing to note how Malkin and Rielly Smith were tearing it up in October and some of November, right before Rakell’s injury. It’s common for players to hit a rough patch now and then, but the timing here really makes you think. If Rakell’s presence was the secret sauce for Malkin’s hot streak, it’s a double-edged sword.

On one hand, it’s great for the team – Malkin firing on all cylinders is always a win. But on the other, it seems like Rakell isn’t being utilized in a way that plays to his strengths, at least not on the score sheet.

It’s a tricky subject, no doubt about it. If Rakell really is the key to Malkin’s success, it’s something the team might need to revisit once Rust is back in the mix. Crosby’s on fire, and Guentzel’s holding the fort solidly, so maybe it’s time to give the Malkin line another look. Imagine if Rakell starts finding the back of the net again, boosting Malkin at the same time – that could be a game-changer for the Pens.

And let’s face it, with the team hanging out in the Metro division’s lower rungs, every win counts. A resurgence like that could be exactly what they need as we head into the crunch time of the season.