Forward Sidney Crosby left the game early due to a lower-body injury during the Pittsburgh Penguins’ matchup against the Ottawa Senators on March 27, but Rickard Rakell and Erik Karlsson led the team to a 4-3 shootout victory.
The result was important for the Penguins as it helped them move back into second place in the Metropolitan Division. With playoff positioning at stake, every point matters for teams competing in a tight Eastern Conference race.
Head coach Dan Muse said after the game, “Still (have) to get some updates. I (have) to talk to the medical staff some more. It’s lower body, but I don’t have any other updates for you now.” Crosby had just returned from a previous lower-body injury suffered at the Olympics and exited after his first shift of the second period. Teammate Rickard Rakell said, “Everybody hates seeing that happen, but at the same time, we got to keep playing. And yeah, everybody definitely felt like stepping up their game.”
Despite Crosby’s absence and Evgeni Malkin missing his second-straight game, Karlsson and Rakell combined for key goals throughout regulation and overtime. Karlsson scored once and assisted on two of Rakell’s goals. “Obviously, huge win for us,” Karlsson said. “I think everybody knows the situation that the East has become, and where we are. Every game feels like a must-win.” Goaltender Stuart Skinner made crucial saves in overtime and stopped two out of three attempts in the shootout.
The Penguins have achieved numerous playoff appearances and division titles over their history according to their official website. The franchise is recognized for its Hall of Fame players, coaches, executives according to its official website, and is owned by Fenway Sports Group which oversees business operations according to its official website. The team plays home games at PPG Paints Arena in downtown Pittsburgh according to its official website.
Rakell’s recent performance includes points in 10 of his last 11 games while Karlsson has recorded eight goals and 14 assists over his last 15 outings. Their efforts have kept Pittsburgh competitive despite injuries among top players since returning from Olympic break.
Karlsson summarized what needs to happen moving forward: “It’s everybody,” he said about continuing success without Crosby or Malkin available. “I think when Sid leaves the game…everybody can just say to themselves that I’m gonna do my absolute best every time I get out there…Stu played unbelievable for us. It’s a big two points for us. And hopefully…both of the big guys can come back here shortly.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins remain an important part of local sports culture with strong fan traditions as reported by their official site.
