Penguins Forward Still Working Toward Full Speed
Jake Guentzel has gotten off to a great start in the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup, but is still working toward full health.
As the 2023-24 season approached, it was expected that Jake Guentzel would be absent from the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup for at least a couple of weeks.
Following an offseason ankle surgery, Guentzel returned much sooner than expected and was in the lineup for the Penguins home opener.
Through three games, Guentzel has recorded only a goal, but has five assists putting him in a four-way tie for the most points in the league.
According to Guentzel, he’s felt good about his start to the year, but knows there is still another level he can hit.
“I feel great physically, but the hands are still catching up,” Guentzel said. “Been pretty fortunate to get a couple of points.”
Despite being a step behind in his mind, Guentzel has looked up to speed and has impressed his coaches.
“I think he’s played terrific,” Mike Sullivan said. “It’s not easy an easy thing when you’re jumping on a moving train so to speak. I thought both Jake and our medical staff did a terrific job in getting ready.”
It’s also not like Guentzel is a depth forward who only collects a handful of minutes per game; Guentzel is a first line winger who plays alongside Sidney Crosby.
Through the first three games, Guentzel has averaged 18:25 of ice time and has filtered his way into the top power play unit.
“That’s credit to Jake,” Sullivan said. “He’s an ultra competitive guy, he’s got a real high hockey I.Q. and you can see the impact he has in the game.”
If Guentzel believes he has another level he can still reach another level, he should be able to have a huge bounce back year in 2023-24.
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