Credit: Justin Heller, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is reporting via Twitter that Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was put on IR today–retroactive to last Tuesday.

Letang has missed the last two games for Pittsburgh, and with the recent call-up of Joseph Morrow, it looks as though he will miss Sunday’s contest as well.

Right now, the Penguins are continuing to say this is a day-to-day lower-body injury, so Letang could possibly return for Wednesday’s game against the Senators.

But this is probably just a case of the Penguins being cautious.

The season is young, and the team is on fire, so Pittsburgh isn’t going to rush him back into action.  Given his injury history, it’s probably a good thing they are taking this day-by-day.

This year, Letang has registered nine points (3G, 6A) in 10 contests and has without a doubt been one of the teams best offensive weapons.

Stay tuned for more updates towards Letang’s injury and watch the Pens tonight against the Devils at 7:30 p.m.

Credit: Bruce Bennett, Getty Images

For the second consecutive contest, defenseman Kris Letang will miss out in all the fun.

The Penguins Twitter handle is reporting that Letang stayed behind in Pittsburgh with what again is being called a lower-body injury.

The injury that appeared in yesterday’s morning skate is being described as a day-to-day pain for the young Norris candidate.  But it’s a mystery to everyone as to what specifically is ailing Letang.

Letang has been a phenomenal player this year.

In ten games this season, Letang has potted nine points (3G, 6A) and been arguably the most reliable defenseman for the Pens so far, which is why it is difficult for fans to hear he’ll be out again.

As long as the Pens top defenseman misses time, it most likely means Dylan Reese will see more.

Reese, native of Pittsburgh, played his first game last night when the Pens squashed the Capitals.  Logging 14:07 minutes of ice time, Reese failed to register a point.

Reese and the Pens will play the Devils tomorrow in New Jersey at 1 p.m.

And stay tuned for more Letang updates.

Credit: Sarah, nickfanatic_10, Fanpop

It is up to Kris Letang to make this is the year of Kris Letang.

With all the usual suspects finally healthy for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the man they call “Tanger,” has a chance to record numbers better than ever before.  And so far, so good.

Through two contests, the Pens top defenseman has picked up a goal and a helper.  Some see that as a moderate start, but the season has just started and the Penguins also played those two games on the road.

As long as the team can stay healthy, Letang himself included, his Norris Trophy chances are realistic.  Even though he has competition with other players around the league (Erik Karlsson, Dustin Byfuglien, etc), Letang still runs the point on arguably the best power-play in the NHL right now and possesses seemingly more point opportunities on a consistent basis than other competitors.

The 2005 third-round-selection has been a steal for the Pens.  Transforming into a dynamic two-way defenseman, Letang has been more than the organization could have asked for.

Contributing to the Penguins 2009 Stanley Cup, Letang is also an All-Star.  Had his season last year not been shortened by injury, Letang would have been right there with Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson, who led the NHL in points among defenseman.  And the year before that, Letang finished in the top-10 in points among d-men with Sidney Crosby being sidelined half of that season.

But now that the Captain is back for Pittsburgh, there is a growing feeling that Letang will finally flourish authoritatively.  The past couple seasons were once thought by the organization to be Letang’s year to break out convincingly, but due to various issues, those predictions were put to a halt.

However, the question as to whether or not Letang reigns as the best defenseman in the league is still debatable.  Considering he shoots on goals alongside Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and now James Neal, he has a huge advantage over other defenseman.  So while his statistics may say he’s the best, others might suggest he would have a much tougher time racking up points if he was with another team.

There’s always going to be “what-ifs,” but he’s with the Penguins and that’s the way it is.

He may have fewer points if he was on another squad, but critics can’t deny the fact that Letang is a tough cookie.  When it comes to defending, Letang is a physical opponent.  And his swift skating ability allows him to escape chaotic situations and create a lot of scoring opportunities.

He also does a good job specifically on the penalty kill.  One thing Letang doesn’t really get credit for is his assertiveness in blocking a shot.  Most of the time, when the Pens have excelled on defense, it’s because Letang has led with his controlling play.

Kris Letang is good because of himself.  Yes, his team provides that extra spark, but he ultimately is the anchor to their offensive juggernaut.  Without him, the team overall struggles.

Letang now plays tonight at home, in the CONSOL Energy Center opener versus a Toronto team that’s still trying to find its permanent goaltender.  And while he trails St. Louis Blues Kevin Shattenkirk in points among NHL defenseman–after tonight–he might be even with him.

Keep a close eye on Kris Letang this year and watch the Pens tonight as they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs for their home opener at 7 p.m.