GAME RECAP: Penguins vs. Sharks () | Starting 2022 with Fireworks

For their first game in 2022, the Penguins took on their 2016 Stanley Cup Final opponent, the San Jose Sharks. There was good news before the puck even dropped: both Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust would be making their return to the lineup after missing games due to injury. Rookie Kasper Bjorkqvist would also be making his NHL debut. The good vibes just kept on rolling after that. Just over a minute into the game, Evan Rodrigues wired a shot past Sharks’ net minder Reimer to give Pittsburgh an early lead, which would not be relinquished. Jake Guentzel celebrated his return to the lineup with a goal of his own—his 16th of the season—a few minutes later. With this goal, Guentzel became the second Penguins player in the past 10 years to record a point in 14-straight appearances, joining Pascal Dupuis (17 GP in ), per NHL PR. Less than 60 seconds after Guentzel lit the lamp, Rodrigues earned his second of the game. Bryan Rust joined the fun to make it 4-0 under two minutes later to commemorate his return to