The sun is setting on an incredible era of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey. After making the playoffs for 16 straight seasons and winning Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016 and 2017 on the backs of Sidney Crosby,

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded Lars Eller after a slow start to the 2024-25 campaign. Pittsburgh appeared as if they were entering a rebuild when they made the trade. Head coach Mike Sullivan was on the hot seat while the Penguins seemed destined for the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

Former NHL defenseman P.K. Subban's comments on the Pittsburgh Penguins last weekend felt like a case of deja vu.Speaking as an analyst on ESPN, Subban focused on the Penguins, who are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and lost to the New York Rangers 5-3 on Sunday.

Rakell didn't play in Sweden's 4 Nations Face-Off matchup against the United States on Monday. He has accounted for 25 goals, 48 points, 146 shots on net., 66 blocked shots and 93 hits over 56 games with Pittsburgh this season. Rakell should occupy a top-six role and see time on the power play in Saturday's game.

This year, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell has already scored 25 goals in 56 games and is on pace for 36, according to Elite Prospects. However, the 31-year-old from Sundbyberg, Sweden, has three multi-goal games,

The team announced he has been activated from injured reserve after missing three games with a lower-body injury, which he suffered before the 4 Nations break.

Friday afternoon brought a pair of familiar faces back to the ice in Cranberry as the Pittsburgh Penguins conducted practice. Defenseman Erik Karlsson and forward Rickard Rakell rejoined the club after representing Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off,

Boston Bruins (27-25-8, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (24-28-9, in the Metropolitan Division) Pittsburgh; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST. BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Bruins,