Pens Letang Could Play Against Rangers Thursday
Kris Letang could per back as early as Thursday when the Penguins take their streak into New York to play the Rangers. Bylsma stated that they will have to see how the week progresses.
"“There’s a chance for Kris (Thursday) night and the remaining games going into the break. When it comes to the injury he had, which was a concussion, it’s how he feels and symptom-related. He’s been feeling good. He’s progressed with difficult skating on his own to get his conditioning, which he’s been able to do. Getting back with the team, he’ll be on the ice with us tomorrow morning again. We’re hopeful he’ll be in the remaining games we have left (before All-Star break). Hopefully soon.” (Bylsma quote from Penguins report Sam Kasan)"
That would be terrific news as far as Letang for what he brings to this team not just on the defensive side but also the offense. As far as Sid goes, their is no current news other than the fact that he went to see the Chiropractor that helped him the last time. Asham is considered day to day at this point with the illness that seems to be running through the locker room like sickness at a daycare. Joe Vitale played for Asham on Tuesday Night against the Carolina Hurricane, and he played very well. He hit everything that was moving. That is the kind of energy you want to see out of your 4th liners. Also, Malkin had a maintenance day of rest so he was not on the ice either.
As the Pens prepare to play the Rangers, they need to focus and get over the hump against this team. The Penguins have struggled against the elite teams in the East, and in order to not only go to the Playoffs, but advance in the playoffs, they will need to start playing teams like the Rangers more competitively. Granted they have played them injured, but even when the Pens had Crosby back, they still struggled against the league’s best so that is a trend that needs to change in a hurry.
Once again they will be getting no help from the Rangers injury list for all the stars will be out for the Rangers. Marc Staal, who has missed most of the season with a consussion is easing his way back into the lineup. The Rangers Gaborik and Ryan Callahan are playing at a high level right now, and to go along with the 2 of them, they have constructed a team of solid position players, that play the Ranger system well.
They play tough, disciplined Hockey, and get outstanding goal tending night in and night out by Henrik Lundqvist, who will be in net tomorrow night and by Marty Biron. Both are sporting the Goals against average less than 2.0 which is absolutely ridiculous.(I mean that in a good way of course) Their great goal tending also has a lot to do with the style of hockey they play and the stellar defense that stands up in front of them. The Penguins have been outshooting their opponents for the last 3 weeks, but the Rangers do not let that happen in most cases. And when the defense does let them down, that is when Lundqvist is at his best.
The drop of the Puck tomorrow night will be at 7:00 pm at The Garden.
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