Pittsburgh was behind against New York Rangers when Rakell scored 2–2 in the middle of the second period.
The goal gave his teammates important energy and Pittsburgh won the match with 3–2, after Philip Tomasino had expanded the lead less than three minutes after Rakell's goal.
Pittsburgh played without their Canadian star Sydney Crosby, who was sidelined due to an upper body injury.
It is still unclear whether Crosby will play against Philadelphia on Sunday night, which is Pittsburgh's last meeting before Four Nations begins on Thursday night when Sweden meets Canada.
We take it one day at a time, said Pittsburgh's coach Mike Sullivan about Crosby on Friday.
The Canadian star had, however, been seen at the morning's ice training. But for Crosby to miss an NHL match is unusual. Tuesday night's victory, with Rakell on the score sheet, was Pittsburgh's first win without Crosby since April 2022.
On Tuesday, it was clear that Tre Kronor would bring in Rakell to the squad, as a replacement for injured Vegas center William Karlsson.
The 37-year-old Crosby has previously been appointed as Canada's team captain.
