Jake Guentzel, LW, Penguins
When: The Avalanche visits the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Monday in the first of two games between the teams this season.
What’s up: Guentzel, 23, plays on Pittsburgh’s second line with center Evgeni Malkin and right winger Phil Kessel. Entering Saturday’s game against visiting Toronto, the line had produced nine points (three goals) in three games. Guentzel had 12 goals, tied with Sidney Crosby for second on the team.
Background: Guentzel, who played three years at the University of Nebraska-omaha ending in 2016, became the first rookie since Hockey Hall of Famer Maurice “Rocket” Richard in 1944 to score five goals in his first four playoff games. Guentzel finished with 13 goals in 25 games to help lead the Pens to their second straight Stanley Cup. Guentzel is the third son of former University of Minnesota player and assistant coach Mike Guentzel, who worked for one year at Colorado College under head coach Scott Owens while one of his older sons, Gabe Guentzel, was a defenseman for the Tigers.
Chambers’ take: Having known the Guentzels from their time in Minneapolis, Colorado Springs and Omaha, I took great interest in the family’s celebration in Pittsburgh to conclude Jake’s rookie NHL season. This terrific American hockey family deserved to celebrate with the Stanley Cup.