The Stanley Cup playoffs have now been narrowed down to just two teams, both featuring former Pittsburgh Penguins players.
Earlier in the playoffs, a detailed overview was provided on former Penguins involved in the postseason. This list has now grown to include three players from the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers. So, how have these players performed so far?
Evan Rodriguez (Florida Panthers)
Rodriguez missed his second game in the series against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to injury, but he has otherwise performed well. The 31-year-old ex-Penguin, who spent three seasons with the team from 2019 to 2022, has contributed goals and 11 points in 15 games, playing a key role in the Panthers’ top six forwards. Overall, Rodriguez is thriving in Florida.
Dmitry Kulikov (Florida Panthers)
Kulikov has had a solid postseason despite a different role. He recorded one goal, four points, and a +1 rating in 17 playoff games, playing a steady defensive role on the Panthers’ bottom pairing. Although he only played six games for the Penguins late in the 2022-23 season due to injury, Kulikov has proven to be a reliable depth player and has shown it once again this playoff run.
Kasperi Kapanen (Edmonton Oilers)
Kapanen didn’t make an appearance for the Oilers until Game 4 against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round but has played a significant part since then. The 28-year-old right winger, a former Penguin from 2020-23, was acquired from the St. Louis Blues and has scored three goals in seven games from that point forward. The Finnish forward has cemented his spot in the lineup as the Stanley Cup Final begins in Edmonton this Wednesday.
Though the Pittsburgh Penguins are not competing in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, former players from the team are still making impactful contributions in the hunt for the championship.
Fan Take: This update highlights how former Penguins continue to influence the game even when Pittsburgh isn’t in the playoffs, showing the lasting impact of their development system. It’s exciting for hockey fans to see these players thrive on big stages, reminding us how interconnected the league truly is.
