Erik Karlsson is turning heads with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and it's easy to see why. He's playing some of the finest hockey of his career, showcasing a level of command on the ice that's nothing short of spectacular. With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin dealing with lineup changes, Karlsson has emerged as the team's MVP this season, stepping up when the Penguins need him most.
But Karlsson isn't the only Swedish star making waves. Rickard Rakell is also delivering standout performances. While he might not be at Karlsson's level, Rakell is certainly making his presence felt.
In Thursday night’s thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Ottawa Senators, Rakell was electric. He scored twice, assisted on another goal, and dazzled the crowd with his playmaking. This kind of performance has been a recurring theme for him throughout March.
Rakell's three-point night brought his totals for the month to seven goals, eight assists, and 31 shots on goal across 14 games. He also nailed the game-winning shootout goal against the Winnipeg Jets last Saturday.
His underlying numbers are impressive, too. With a 59.04 percent expected goals share, he's leading the team among those who’ve played at least 10 games, and the Penguins have outscored opponents 14-9 with him on the ice during 5-on-5 play.
Rakell is generating chances and capitalizing on them.
This month has been crucial for Rakell, especially since much of his production came with Crosby sidelined, forcing Rakell to adapt to playing center. While not his natural position, he delivered when the Penguins needed it most.
Rakell has faced some criticism this season for a slight dip in production compared to his career year in 2024-25. But expecting a repeat of such a standout season in his early 30s isn't realistic. What's important is that he's remained productive and impactful.
There was plenty of debate at last year's trade deadline about whether the Penguins should have moved Rakell. However, the market for non-star wingers over 30 isn't exactly booming, and Rakell still has plenty to offer on the ice.
Following Thursday’s game, Rakell has tallied 17 goals and 39 assists in 51 games this season, putting him on pace for 27 goals and 62 points over 82 games. These numbers surpass his career averages and demonstrate that, while not at last year's peak, his contributions remain vital for the Penguins.