The Pittsburgh Penguins’ Top Line Has Been Unbeatable
If anyone was worried about the Pittsburgh Penguins back in October, they certainly are not worried anymore.
After the first week of November, the Pens were 4-6-2 and had lost seven straight contests. Since that time, Pittsburgh has been one of the best teams in hockey and has jumped all the way to a 19-9-4 record, good for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
A big reason that the Penguins have been rejuvenated is their top line. Of course, captain Sidney Crosby is leading the charge. I would say that that is to no one’s surprise, but as he is 35 years old, it has been impressive to watch him continue to play at an elite level.
The trio of Crosby, Guentzel, and Rakell is leading the Penguins.
In 32 games this season, Crosby has racked up 18 goals, 24 assists, and 42 points. He leads the Penguins in all three categories, and he also leads the NHL in even-strength points.
On his left side, as has been the case almost exclusively for several seasons, is Jake Guentzel. The 28-year-old has played 28 games this year and is a top-three skater for the Penguins when it comes to goals (15), assists (17), and points (32).
Rounding out the top line is right winger Rickard Rakell. In his first full season with the Penguins, Rakell has notched 13 goals and nine assists for 22 points. His plus-10 rating is the best mark among Pittsburgh forwards.
When Crosby, Guentzel, and Rakell form the Pens’ top line, the team is 15-2-2. Now, I’m not going to say that this is the best line in hockey, but it is certainly one of the most effective lines in the NHL.
This trio is crucial to Pittsburgh’s success, and that was on display once again on Tuesday when the captain scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in the third period against the New York Rangers.
COUNT IT!
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 21, 2022
That's another even-strength goal for Sidney Crosby.
Of his 42 points, 33 of them have come at even strength (16G-17A) which is first in the NHL. pic.twitter.com/tCAgOXViZ1
The concern around the Penguins for several years has been their age. Yes, Pittsburgh is the oldest team in the NHL, but when Crosby (plus Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang for that matter) is still firing on all cylinders, the Pens are as dangerous as ever.
Not to mention, Guentzel and Rakell are both in their 20s, so it’s not as if this team is completely dependent upon guys in their mid-30s.
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The Penguins are challenging for first place in the Metro, and with this top line playing as well as it is, don’t be surprised if you see Crosby and company perched atop the division soon.