The Pittsburgh Penguins had six periods left in their 2024-25 season. On Sunday at PPG Paints Arena, they played an equally disappointing Boston Bruins team and walked away with a lackluster 4-1 loss.
Ultimately, the Penguins didn't generate much through 40 minutes, only playing with passion and grit in the final period. The game was out of reach at 3-1 before an empty net tally sealed a victory for the visitors.
Now, at 33-36-12, Pittsburgh will finish below .500 for the first time since 2005-06.
Rakell Continues Career Season
Rickard Rakell had the Penguins' only goal on Sunday, a power play tally late in the second period. His 35th of the year is a new career high. Meanwhile, with his 69th point, he's just one shy of reaching 70 for the first time.
As Pittsburgh's leading goal-scorer, Rakell extends a franchise streak of at least one player scoring 35 goals to four seasons, following Jake Guentel (2022, 2023) and Sidney Crosby (2024).
A Lot of Passengers on Sunday's Train
The Penguins have had their fair share of good and bad moments over the last month, which resulted in their early playoff elimination. However, with a struggling Bruins team in town, it seemed like the Penguins were no match for a team below them in the standings.
In the first, the home team had six shots and didn't significantly increase their total in the middle period until the second half of the frame. At the end of 40 minutes, the Bruins were up 3-1 and outshooting Pittsburgh 26-15.
Unfortunately, by the time the Penguins showed up to play, banging bodies and making plays along the goalline, time was running out. Veteran Evgeni Malkin registered no shots on goal, one of only two forwards not to pepper Joonas Korpisalo.
Meanwhile, no skater registered a positive plus/minus rating, and the Bruins outscored the Penguins in the face-off circle.
What's Next: Season Finale
The 2024-25 Penguins have one more game together next Thursday when they host Alex Ovechkin for the season finale. Since breaking the all-time goals record, the Capitals are 1-1-0 with their playoff spot locked up.
After Sunday's performance, these Penguins have one final opportunity to give fans something to cheer about this season. Ultimately, it's the one chance players like Crosby, Rakell, and Bryan Rust have a chance to reach a personal milestone.
Moreover, it could be the final time fans see Tristan Jarry or Matt Grzelyck in a Penguins sweater. Considering the franchise's draft capitals at the upcoming draft, plus plenty of cap space, change is on the horizon, and Thursday night will be the last time we see this group together.
