Jake Guentzel became a major league star in Pittsburgh. A few weeks ago, he headed from there to Carolina, which takes him as the last piece in the puzzle to win the Stanley Cup. Guentzel is now preparing for his first experience against an opponent in the city where he grew up professionally. A prestigious match awaits him on Wednesday night.
Guentzel has 12 points (2 goals and 10 assists) in eight games with his new team, with just one loss in regular time.
Both teams are in different moods. While Carolina wants the most, Pittsburgh has already stopped counting on participation in the playoffs.
“Obviously it’s exciting,” Guentzel told reporters after Monday’s practice. “The family is still there, so I’ll see them in the evening. It will be nice to see some of the guys from the team. But it’s still mainly about the two points, which we hope to take.”
The Hurricanes should know what to expect from the crowd that sees their longtime favorite, despite the return of center Yevgeny Kuznetsov to Washington last week.
“It’s tough,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour added. “We’ve talked about it a little bit and there’s going to be a lot of emotion. It’s obviously a tough game for the players, no question about that. Guentzel had a great career there and did a lot of great things. It’s a special night.”
Even an experienced attacker thinks the same way. “It’s going to be emotional,” he says. “At the same time, it’s going to be fun. It’s a special city in the heart of our family. It’s going to be a great experience.”
Guentzel’s wife, Natalie, and their son, Charlie, remained in Pittsburgh after the exchange. He said that the city means a lot to his family and he has not yet decided the future, as Jake may change jobs again in the summer. He will become a free agent.
“I think when you’re skating, you absorb it, it’s a new experience, but once the puck drops, it’s just hockey again and something you do your whole life,” Guentzel shrugged. “It’s going to be different, but it’s definitely going to be cool.”
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