Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell, born in Sundbyberg, Sweden, set a new career high with his 35th goal on Sunday against the Boston Bruins.
With his latest tally, Rakell tied fellow Swede Tomas Sandström, who scored 35 during the shortened 1995-96 season. In 58 games that season, Sandström set the franchise record for most goals (35) and points (70) by a Swedish-born skater in Penguins history.
Heading into the season finale, Rakell has 35 goals and 34 assists for 69 points, one shy of tying Sandström's record. Against the Washington Capitals, the Penguins' next opponent, Rakell, has scored four goals with ten assists for 14 points in 23 career games.
Last season, Rakell became only the second Swedish player to record a 60-point season, scoring 28 goals and 32 assists. Now, with 69 points, he becomes the only one from the Scandinavian country to record two 60-point campaigns.
Rakell Sets New Career-High In 'Slow' 4-1 Loss To BruinsHeading into a Sunday matinee matchup with the Boston Bruins, the Pittsburgh Penguins hoped to take advantage of a team in free fall and sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
As mentioned, Sandström owns the franchise record for most goals in a single season among Swedish players with 35. Meanwhile, Erik Karlsson owns the top totals regarding assists. During his first season in Pittsburgh, 2023-24, he recorded 45 assists to surpass Dick Tärnström, who had 36 in 2003-04 to break Sandström's top total of 35.
Karlsson is up to 42 assists with one game left this year, becoming the only Swedish player with more than one 40-assist season in a Penguins sweater.
At this time, Rakell (179 points) is the second-highest-scoring Swede in franchise history, chasing two-time Stanley Cup champion Patric Hornqvist, who had 264 points in 407 games. Meanwhile, Karlsson already ranks fifth with 109 points in 163 games.
Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule: Remaining Games & Statistical NotesThe Pittsburgh Penguins are winding down their 2024-25 season and will miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season, a first in Sidney Crosby's 20-year career. However, there is plenty to play for in the final weeks.