Penguins defenseman Juuso Riikola: 'I need to play better'

So far, Juuso Riikola’s preseason has been fairly unremarkable.

In three games, he has no points and six shots.

Not a liability but hard to notice.

Riikola has been as inert as xenon.

Yet, this preseason has offered a considerable improvement for Riikola over his dreadful 2020-21 regular season.

That’s because he is actually playing.

After suiting up for the third and fourth games of the 2020-21 campaign, Riikola did not touch the ice outside of practice for the rest of the season.

An undisclosed injury in that fourth game sidelined Riikola for 20 games. By the time he had fully recuperated, the Penguins blue line was stricken by a rare outbreak of good health and, as a result, Riikola was a healthy scratch for 18 consecutive contests.

The only reason that streak didn’t last longer was because he was placed on waivers April 10 so the Penguins could move him to their taxi squad. That maneuver allowed them to remove most of his salary cap hit of $1.15 million off their books and trade for forward Jeff Carter.

Riikola has a fairly simple solution for how to become a regular part of the lineup.

“I think I need to play better,” he said succinctly following a recent training camp practice.

It’s a nice thought. But considering the surfeit of NHL-caliber defensemen ahead of him on the Penguins depth chart, it’s easier said than done.

“It’s always the same thing,” said the 27-year-old Finn. “Basically, how coaches say whoever plays the best is in the lineup. That’s how it’s going to go.”

Riikola didn’t have a lot go right for him in 2020-21. Yet, despite such a frustrating season, he remained one of the most popular players in the Penguins’ dressing room.

If nothing else, he arguably has the best nickname on a team full of unimaginative monikers such as “Rusty” or “Dumo.”

“’Rico’s’ one of the best teammates you can have,” forward Jason Zucker — aka “Zuck” — said. “The guy is unbelievable. I can’t even imagine how tough that year was for him, and the way he handled it was absolutely incredible. It speaks volumes for how great of a person he was and a teammate. He works his (backside) off every day. He does all the little things. It was definitely a tough year, and he handled it very well. I have a lot of respect for him.”

The way Riikola describes it, keeping his spirits up wasn’t a challenge despite a less than ideal season.

“I don’t have that problem,” Riikola said. “I think I’m a pretty happy guy and easy to be around.”

It’s a fair matter of speculation to wonder if Riikola will be around to open the season given his salary cap hit. For their part, Penguins coaches have given the left-hander a look on the ride side of the defense. It is believed he has played roughly half of his 75 career games on the starboard side.

During Wednesday’s 5-4 shootout preseason win against the Buffalo Sabres at PPG Paints Arena, Riikola primarily skated on the right of the third pairing along with partner P.O Joseph. He logged a quiet 13 minutes, 56 seconds of ice time on 20 shifts.

“It’s not the same as (the) left side, Riikola said. “But it’s just like I’ve always said. Whatever they ask me to do, I will do. There are some differences between playing the left side and the ride side, just how your stick is (positioned). But I’ll do whatever they want me to do.”

“I know it’s not his ideal preference (to play the right side),” coach Mike Sullivan said. “But he is capable.”

Riikola is certainly capable of being a steadier presence in an NHL lineup. For him, the key to getting more ice time isn’t complicated.

“Do what I’m good (at),” Riikola said. “Nothing special. Just play like I can play.”

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