Penguins' Rakell Shines in Crosby's Return

Notches two assists, one on the power play, in 6-5 OT loss to Hurricanes

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:49pm

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Penguins forward Rickard Rakell recorded two assists, including one on the power play, in Wednesday's 6-5 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Rakell was reunited with his usual center, Sidney Crosby, who was back in the lineup after a brief absence, and helped set up Crosby for the team's first goal of the night. Rakell also had a hand in Erik Karlsson's first tally of the game just 59 seconds into the third period.

Why it matters

Rakell has been a consistent producer for the Penguins, even without Crosby in the lineup. His performance in Crosby's return shows he can continue to contribute offensively and maintain his productivity when playing alongside the team's star center.

The details

Rakell's two-assist effort extended his current point streak to seven games, during which he has collected two goals and nine points, with four of his assists coming on the power play. His ability to set up his teammates and contribute on the man-advantage has been a valuable asset for the Penguins this season.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, March 19, 2026.
  • Rakell's two assists came in the Penguins' 6-5 overtime loss to the Hurricanes.

The players

Rickard Rakell

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has been a consistent producer for the team, even without star center Sidney Crosby in the lineup.

Sidney Crosby

The captain and star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who returned to the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Hurricanes.

Erik Karlsson

A defenseman for the Carolina Hurricanes who scored the first goal of the game, assisted by Rakell.

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What they’re saying

“Rakell has been staying productive even without Crosby, as Wednesday's effort extended his point streak to seven games -- a stretch in which he's collected two goals and nine points, with four of his assists coming on the power play.”

— RotoWire Staff

The takeaway

Rakell's performance in Crosby's return demonstrates his ability to contribute offensively and maintain his productivity when playing alongside the Penguins' star center. His consistent production, even without Crosby, has been a valuable asset for the team this season.