{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/fgQk6isN.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "Bryan Rust says the Pittsburgh Penguins lacked energy against the New Jersey Devils.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/fgQk6isN-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/fgQk6isN.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/fgQk6isN.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fgQk6isN-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 182, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 434433, "filesize": 1737733, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fgQk6isN-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 272, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 630988, "filesize": 2523955, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fgQk6isN-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 724, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1637598, "filesize": 6550395, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fgQk6isN-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 115780, "filesize": 463123 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fgQk6isN-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 362, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 642355, "filesize": 2569423, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/fgQk6isN-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 544, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 1067238, "filesize": 4268954, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "It’s been a tough start to the season for someone who is usually one of the Pittsburgh Penguins most consistent goal scorers." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "In a full 82 games during the 2022-23 season, Rakell scored 28 goals and led the team with 11 power play tallies." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "So far this year, Rakell has struggled to find the back of the net, going a full 15 games without a goal." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Rakell has started, and played all 15 games alongside Malkin, yet the offense hasn’t found him." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Malkin and newcomer Reilly Smith have formed an outstanding chemistry making both of them some of the best producers on the team." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Rakell, meanwhile, sits with just four assists; maybe it’s time for him to play on a new line." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "This time around, Rakell should maybe swap with Radim Zohorna and slot in on the third line." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Zohorna didn’t start the year on the NHL roster, but since being recalled has proven his worth for the Penguins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "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." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "If Rakell can get going and bring a new level of offense, the Penguins top six can be near unbeatable." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "GAME RECAP: Devils End Penguins Win Streak With 5-2 Victory" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Not Worried About Tristan Jarry's Inconsistency" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Just Weren't Good Enough Against Devils" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Winning Streak Snapped After Lousy Performance" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Injured Penguins Sent to AHL for Conditioning Stint" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Time for Struggling Forward To Move Down Penguins Lineup