New York. The Pittsburgh Penguins wanted revenge tonight – and Rickard Raquel helped them get just that.
He scored one of the goals himself and played on the other two goals as they beat Erik Carlson’s San Jose Sharks 3-1.
– There was no good feeling in the team after the game in Los Angeles, so it was badly needed, the 29-year-old Stockholmer tells Sportbladet.
No, it didn’t go any further between the Penguins against the Los Angeles Kings at the Crypto.com Arena this past Saturday.
They were responsible for their worst performance of the season losing 6-0 – after four goals from Adrian Kempe.
– It happens sometimes, but at the moment all matches are very important. We’re in a situation where we really need to win,” Ricard Raquel says on the phone from California.
– So there was no good feeling in the team after that loss. We definitely need to win tonight.
“revenge required”
So they did. The score was 3-1 – and the “Raks” series forming with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel had to take it mildly. Rijkaard himself scored the first goal – the nineteenth of the season – with an assist from Crosby. Then Guentzel scored twice – with assists from Rijkaard and Crosby.
– After a game like the last one, I felt like we as a series need to get revenge and contribute the way we are supposed to. So it was good that we got these earnings, the former AIK player continued.
Eric plays as much as he wants.
Erik Karlsson was without a point for once, but still managed to impress his opponents.
– I don’t know if it’s about the new coach, but Eric seems to be playing more as he wants and when he comes quickly through the midfield he’s very good, praises to Raquel.