Penguins Honor Jake Guentzel During Game
The Pittsburgh Penguins honored Jake Guentzel with a welcome-back video.
PITTSBURGH – Jake Guentzel has returned to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins for the first time since being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. Up until the trade deadline, the only team Guentzel knew was the Penguins, and they made sure to acknowledge everything he’s done for the team.
During the first television timeout, the Penguins honored Guentzel with a welcome-back video highlighting some of his best moments in Pittsburgh.
The crowd at PPG Paints Arena quickly rose to their feet for a standing ovation for Guentzel in his return. A true fan favorite and a player who won'e soon be forgotten in Pittsburgh.
Guentzel gave multiple waves and salutes to the crowd following the video presentation.
TV cameras also caught Guentzel's wife and son getting emotional over the tribute.
The video included highlights such as his first NHL game, in which he scored two goals against the New York Rangers during the 2016-17 season. Later that year, Guentzel led the entire playoffs in goals with 13, helping the Penguins win their second of back-to-back Stanley Cups.
In 503 career games with the Penguins, Guentzel scored 219 goals and 247 assists for 466 total points. Twice Guentzel notched 40 goals in a single season and become known as the best linemate to ever play with Sidney Crosby.
In just eight games with the Hurricanes, he has already notched 12 points (2G-10A).
Many of Guentzel's former teammates aren't surprised by that kind of production. They also knew it would be weird to play against him, but they were ready to be enemies with an old friend for the night.
As a member of the Hurricanes, Guentzel is expected to be a huge part of a possible Stanley Cup run. The Hurricanes also have a real chance at winning the President's Trophy as the NHL's leader in standings points.
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