Rickard Rakell Shines as NHL’s First Star of the Week

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Rickard Rakell is making headlines with his impressive performance on the ice. Over the past week, he has scored in five consecutive games and found the back of the net in seven of his last eight outings, propelling the Penguins within striking distance of their first playoff berth since the 2021-22 season.

Rakell’s remarkable five-game goal-scoring streak and eight-game point streak are the longest active streaks in the NHL, earning him the honor of being named the First Star of the Week by the NHL on Monday.

In an explosive week, Rakell compiled an impressive tally of seven goals and eight points across five games, bringing his season totals to 24 goals and 48 points in 57 games. Had he not missed several weeks earlier in the season, he would likely be on track for over 30 goals.

His recent surge includes 11 goals in his last 10 games and 14 goals since the NHL resumed play following the 2026 Winter Olympics. Notably, Rakell has adeptly transitioned between center and wing, although he has recently settled more into the center position.

With the Penguins gearing up for a crucial matchup against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, Rakell will look to continue his scoring streak and help secure a playoff spot for his team.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.