A Wrong is Righted, Rickard Rakell Named to Team Sweden

Perhaps it is a bad thing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but a wrong has been righted. Penguins winger Rickard Rakell has been named a late addition to Team Sweden for the coming Four Nations Face-Off, which begins in Montreal next week.

Rakell is replacing injured Vegas Golden Knights forward William Karlsson.

The 10-day tournament, which is being held in Montreal and Boston, featured Team USA, Canada, Finland, and Sweden. Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson was one of the first named to Team Sweden, but Rakell was snubbed.

Then Rakell immediately went on a torrid run. He has 31 points (13-18-31) in his last 29 games, including the last three games of November.

Perhaps the Penguins can find other ways to make Rakell feel disrespected. He was on pace for a career-high 40 goals, but his goal pace has slowed slightly. His career high is 34, set in 2017-18. Rakell has 21 goals with 29 games remaining.