The Transformation of Rickard Rakell
The Pittsburgh Penguins are witnessing an unexpected transformation in the role of winger Rickard Rakell as the new NHL season unfolds. Fresh off an impressive season that saw him net 35 goals and accumulate 70 points, Rakell entered training camp anticipating a prime position among star players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, along with a secure spot on the power play. Yet, he has found himself adapting to a novel challenge on the team: serving on the penalty kill, a position he has seldom occupied during his 14 years in the league.
Adapting to New Challenges
Historically, Rakell has logged a mere 84 minutes of short-handed ice time, with nearly all of it during his tenure with the Anaheim Ducks from 2018 to 2020. Before the Penguins’ season opener—a 3-0 victory over the New York Rangers—he had not been on the ice for any penalty kill situations with Pittsburgh. Despite stepping into new territory at the age of 32, Rakell appears to be acclimating well, commenting with a grin,
“So far, I haven’t been on for a goal yet. So, obviously, I feel good about that.”
Strategic Shifts Under New Coaching
Under the guidance of new head coach Dan Muse, the philosophy behind the penalty kill unit has shifted to incorporating regular power play forwards like Rakell and Bryan Rust, who is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury. Muse argues that utilizing power play players in penalty kill situations can yield strategic advantages, partly due to their familiarity with the dynamics of offensive plays.
Rakell resonates with this strategy, stating,
“I’ve played on the power play for a long time. You see some things on the ice, and when I’m studying to get better on the power play, I look at different players… I know what their habits are going to be. So, hopefully, that helps me disrupt their plays and create opportunities.”
Embracing Versatility
The Penguins’ approach this season includes an aggressive mindset on the penalty kill, aiming to throw opposing power plays off balance. Rakell highlighted that knowing where dangerous play areas are located can enhance their chances of counteracting the power plays.
“When you turn the puck over, power plays usually fall out of structure, and we hope to create chances that way,”
Rakell explained.
Muse emphasized the importance of placing intelligent players like Rakell in defensive roles.
“We view him as a responsible player, trusted defensively. Those who have experience on the power play tend to think like power play players, allowing them to anticipate plays well,”
he observed during the pre-season.
Although it is early in the season and various roles may shift, Rakell recognizes this opportunity as a unique chance to showcase his versatility.
“It’s kind of just an idea that came up. Rusty’s out of the lineup. So, perhaps this is my opportunity,”
he noted, acknowledging the evolving dynamics within the team. As the season progresses, Rakell may experience an increase in ice time due to these additional responsibilities, a change he seems prepared to embrace.
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