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Ciccarelli hopes Guentzel breaks his rookie goal record

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Dino Ciccarelli is rooting for Jake Guentzel.

The former Minnesota North Stars winger, who set an NHL record when he scored 14 goals during the 1981 playoffs, has a reason to keep tabs on the Pittsburgh Penguins this postseason.

That's because Guentzel, a freshman forward, could soon eclipse the high mark Ciccarelli set 36 years ago. The Penguins winger scored his 13th of the playoffs Saturday against the Nashville Predators and is now just one shy of tying Ciccarelli.

"I hope he does break the record," Ciccarelli told Michael Russo of the Star Tribune. "He has great instincts. He has a knack for the net."

Guentzel, whose 13 goals leads NHL playoff scoring, is also one point away from tying the NHL-best for rookie playoff points, a record also held by Ciccarelli, with 21. Former Philadelphia Flyers forward Ville Leino evened the record in 2010.

No doubt Guentzel has given Ciccarelli reason to tune in.

"It's nice to see him having success and having fun," Ciccarelli added. "It reminds me a lot of me in 1981."

Guentzel will have the opportunity to tie, and possibly pass Ciccarelli's mark, when the puck drops Monday for Game 4.

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