Guentzel sets playoff goals, points record by American-born rookie
Jake Guentzel, so hot right now. If you haven't already, spare a second and Google him.
Now that we're on the same page, take in the fact that the Pittsburgh Penguins wunderkind stole the show once again Wednesday night, registering two goals in the Penguins' 4-1 dismantling of the Nashville Predators.
Guentzel's 11th and 12th tallies of the postseason moved him into some elite company, again. The 22-year-old Omaha, Neb., native now ranks second all-time in goals by a rookie in a single postseason, according to NHL Public Relations.
However, the winger's decimation of the rookie record book didn't finish there, as Guentzel's 19 playoff points are also record setting.
Jake Guentzel's 19 points this postseason are most in a single postseason by an America-born rookie (prev record: 18 by Joe Mullen in 1982) pic.twitter.com/BZNm7i90sJ
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 1, 2017
His dozen playoff tallies are good for the league lead, and his 19 points place him in a tie for fourth behind Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby, and Phil Kessel.
The cherry on top? Guentzel's 12th of the playoffs was also the Game 2 winner, pushing his 2017 postseason game-winning goal total to an impressive five.
Shocker, that's also good for a rookie playoff record.
Jake Guentzel scored the game-winning goal for a 2nd straight game to set a rookie record for GWGs in a single postseason (5). #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/DPXLcddgbJ
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) June 1, 2017
If Guentzel keeps up this ridiculous pace, expect his name to be in serious consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy.