Penguins Dynamic Duo

There’ve been two distinct sets of Sidney Crosbys and Kris Letangs skating for the Pittsburgh Penguins this season.

The initial pair languished under previous coach Mike Johnston, combining for a paltry seven goals during the Pens’ first 28 games. Since Mike Sullivan took over? It’s as if Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson popped into the Batcave and, with the aid of faithful manservant Alfred, morphed into Batman and Robin.

Indeed, the new and improved version of the Steel City’s dynamic duo has been nothing short of brilliant. Their numbers since the coaching change tell the tale.

Player	GP	G	A	PTS	+/-	PPG	PPA	PPPTS
Crosby	16	8	10	18	3	3	3	6
Letang	10	5	11	16	4	1	6	7

Crosby’s quick to cite Sullivan’s aggressive offensive approach as a reason for the dramatic transformation.

“We’re not a team that’s going to sit back and get a chance here and there and wait for a team to make a mistake,” Sid recently told Jonathan Bombulie of the Tribune Review. “With the guys we have, I think we’re better when we’re dictating things and forcing turnovers.”

Sullivan’s up-tempo style represents a 180-degree swing from the 200-foot game employed under Johnston. MJ’s defense-first system—while well-intentioned—served to stifle the club’s creativity and flow. Crosby’s, in particular. Never has No. 87 looked so stiff and mechanical. Or predictable.

Nor did opening the season with Phil Kessel on his wing provide an expected boost. Through the early going the Pens’ captain seemed consumed with feeding the high-profile newcomer the puck. Understandable, given the enormous off-season hype.

And now? With eight goals and ten assists in his last 16 games—including a pair of two-goal efforts—Sid’s regained his mojo. You might even say he’s returned to his hockey roots. Crosby 101. At age 28, he’s skating with much of his old speed and authority, not to mention a liberal dose of renewed passion and fire. Shooting the puck, too, which makes the Nova Scotia native infinitely more dangerous and difficult to defend. And, he’s venturing behind the opposing net with greater frequency, where he has few peers as a setup man.

Productive linemates have helped. With three goals in his past four games, old sidekick Chris Kunitz has heated up. Same goes for Patric Hornqvist, who likewise has been on a tear (five goals in his last dozen games).

Letang, like his fellow superstar, struggled early on. Clearly missing the steadying presence of Paul Martin, he failed to mesh with either Ian Cole or Rob Scuderi. Guilty of pressing at times, he racked up a whopping 33 giveaways—far and away tops among black-and-gold defenders.

Since Sullivan assumed the reins? Letang’s been otherworldly. A stunning five goals and 11 assists in 10 games. His defensive play is much-improved, too. Take Monday night, for example. “Tanger” used his incredible closing speed to chase down two St. Louis forwards before sprawling to the ice to break up a two-on-one. He was physical to boot, jousting with burly Blues winger Troy Brouwer.

Credit new partner Olli Maatta with a big assist. Arguably the Pens’ most bomb-proof defenseman (plus-17), the preternaturally cool Finn has freed Letang to play the high-risk, high-reward game that’s established No. 58 as a perennial Norris Trophy candidate. Something his previous partners weren’t able to do.

The Penguins will need Crosby and Letang to stay hot ‘n’ healthy if they’re to snag a playoff berth. Given his checkered health history, Letang’s wellness is a constant concern. The Pens are a dismal 2-7-1 this season when he sits.