Categories: PenguinPoop

Penguins Update: The Comeback Kid

Amid the kerfuffle that has become our Pittsburgh Penguins, one player has stood out from the pack.

A year after suffering a potential career-ending stroke, Kris Letang has returned with a vengeance. The former Norris Trophy candidate and Second Team NHL All-Star has piled up nine goals and 39 points (in 44 games)—the third-best points total among NHL defensemen. Often criticized for his work with the man advantage, he’s tied for third in the league with 18 power-play assists. And, he’s been a bulwark on defense, averaging 25:11 of ice time per game.

The odds-on favorite to win the Masterton Trophy, Tanger’s worked hard to put the star-crossed 2013-14 campaign behind him. He’s cut down on the high-risk plays that led to an avalanche of costly turnovers while adding a new level of discipline to his game. Shorn of the Darius Kasparaitis-style locks that were as much a part of his on-ice persona as his blazing speed, No. 58’s been calm, cool, and collected, despite the fierce attention he garners from opposing forecheckers.

Take last week, for example. With superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin consigned to the press box, the soft-spoken Montreal native withstood a barrage of heavy checks to pace the Pens to a 5-3 victory over Winnipeg. Even more remarkable, Letang’s dazzling five-assist performance came just seven days after he was knocked out of action by a dirty hit from Philly’s Zac Rinaldo.

His teammates were clearly impressed.

“To be on his team and to see him play in person, it’s just sick how good that guy is,” newcomer David Perron said. “What a player.”

Rob Scuderi echoed Perron’s sentiments.

“He’s [Letang’s] as good as there is in this league,” the veteran defender said. “When he’s making the right plays like he was tonight, he’s a dominant player.”

Well-earned praise to be sure. Especially after Letang endured mountains of criticism around these parts for his uneven play last season.

Just call him “the Comeback Kid.”

Rick Buker

Recent Posts

Penguins Update: Building Through the Draft Doesn’t Guarantee Success

If you’re a Penguins fan, you know the inevitable looms just ahead and around the…

1 hour ago

Penguins Use Puck Luck to Pluck Ducks, 2-1

Well, our Penguins finally did it! They played a reasonably complete 60-minute game (62:35 actually)…

1 day ago

Ex-Penguins Update: Halloween Special

I thought I'd take a break from the relentlessly grim news surrounding our skidding Penguins…

2 days ago

Dubas’ Trade Strategy: Out with the Old, In with the New

  The Penguins are off to a rough start, to say the least. Over their…

2 days ago

Penguins Lose Again, Time to Say Goodbye

Perhaps the title of this article should be, “The More Things Change, the More They…

3 days ago

Fragile Penguins Buckle Again, Bow to Canucks 4-3

Before I spout my two cents worth over last night's come-from-in-front loss to the Canucks,…

6 days ago