Former Penguins Forward Scores in Stanley Cup Opener
Former Pittsburgh Penguins are already contributing in the Stanley Cup Final.
PITTSBURGH – No matter how the final round plays out, a former member of the Pittsburgh Penguins will secure their first Stanley Cup victory. After Game 1, at least one former Penguin is showing to be a contributor in the series.
In the Florida Panthers’ 3-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1, Evan Rodrigues scored early in the second period. Helping extend the Panthers’ lead, Rodrigues found space all to himself in the slot and easily beat Stuart Skinner.
Rodrigues has been skating with Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk on the Panthers second line. Bennett started the quick scoring opportunity when he dumped the puck into the Oilers’ zone and caught up to it himself.
Bennett chased down the loose puck with multiple Oilers following him. All Bennett had to do was slide a perfect pass through Darnell Nurse, and Rodrigues was there to extend their lead.
The goal put the Panthers up by two and was Rodrigues’ fourth of the postseason. The Panthers kick off the 2024 Stanley Cup Final up 1-0 in the series as they hunt for their first banner.
Rodrigues hasn’t played for the Penguins in two seasons and is the last player to score a playoff goal for them.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
- Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins