Rickard Rakell is yet to score this season and might see new luck in a different role in Pittsburgh Penguins lineup.

It’s been a tough start to the season for someone who is usually one of the Pittsburgh Penguins most consistent goal scorers.

Rickard Rakell won’t blow people out of the water with his scoring ability, but during his time with the Penguins, he’s grown a reputation as one of the steadiest producers of offense.

In a full 82 games during the 2022-23 season, Rakell scored 28 goals and led the team with 11 power play tallies.

So far this year, Rakell has struggled to find the back of the net, going a full 15 games without a goal.

No matter where Rakell has slotted in the Penguins lineup, he’s found success; whether its on the first line with Sidney Crosby, or on the second with Evgeni Malkin.

Rakell has started, and played all 15 games alongside Malkin, yet the offense hasn’t found him.

Malkin and newcomer Reilly Smith have formed an outstanding chemistry making both of them some of the best producers on the team.

Rakell, meanwhile, sits with just four assists; maybe it’s time for him to play on a new line.

It can’t be the first line, either, because Rust is having himself a resurgence of production and shouldn’t be taken off the first line any time soon.

This time around, Rakell should maybe swap with Radim Zohorna and slot in on the third line.

Zohorna didn’t start the year on the NHL roster, but since being recalled has proven his worth for the Penguins.

Three goals and two assists for five points isn’t over the top productive, but it is more than Rakell has given and Zohorna is earning his chance.

Head coach Mike Sullivan spoke highly of Rakell and his game despite the lack of goal scoring, but maybe a small demotion can change his fortunes.

If Rakell can get going and bring a new level of offense, the Penguins top six can be near unbeatable.

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