Pittsburgh Penguins: Kris Letang a Rare Defensive Bright Spot
By Mike Necciai
Considering the performance that the Pittsburgh Penguins defense put together in their regular season opener, it’s tough to find a positive on that blue line. But, Kris Letang is exactly that. A rare bright spot in an otherwise murky situation.
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When the Pens were approaching 2015-16 they were banking on Derrick Pouliot in a big way. They expected him arrive in Pittsburgh in improved shape and ready to tackle the role of top-four defenseman. But, he did exactly opposite. He actually looked slower and less engaged than he had in his NHL appearances last season. The most surprising issue through camp and exhibition play was his poor decision-making with the puck and dangerous turnovers. Those are his strengths, right?
Unfortunately, you can’t go back in time. You can’t redo what has been done since you now know that acquiring a number three or four defenseman this summer was crucial. Of course, Olli Maatta and Ian Cole are providing what we all expected and Maatta will continue to get better with time-on-ice after missing most of last season due to shoulder surgery. But, one defenseman in particular has stood out, just as we all hoped he would.
Letang Marvelous in Pittsburgh Penguins Opener
The Penguins played a decent game, despite losing 3-0 to a Dallas Stars team that is a top-five Western Conference squad. They attacked with speed, played aggressive and created quality scoring chances. Unfortunately, Antti Niemi was a brick wall. In the Penguins’ system, a lot of their offense stems from their active defensemen. Consider Letang’s stat line from Thursday night, courtesy of war-on-ice.com.
Time-On-Ice – 28:18
Corsi-For Per Sixty Minutes – 63.8
Corsi-Against Per Sixty Minutes – 46.4
Shots-For Per Sixty Minutes – 37.7
Shots-Against Per Sixty Minutes – 17.4
Shots on Goal – 8
These numbers tell a story. They tell us that when Kris Letang was on the ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, they lived in Dallas territory. If you’re unfamiliar with how rate stats work, consider that if Letang played a full sixty minutes at five-on-five, the Pens would produce almost sixty-four shot attempts in that span.
Letang individually recorded eight shots on goal, which led the Pittsburgh Penguins. Without citing any numbers, it was easy to see the impact he had on this game. He was flat-out flying and creating plays on every shift.
If Healthy, Letang Poised for Norris Contention
I know it’s extremely early but I’m comfortable making this prediction now. Kris Letang will be a Norris Trophy candidate at season’s end and has a great chance of winning it. There’s just one caveat and that of course is that he has to stay healthy.
Letang hasn’t played a full NHL season since 2010-11. In fact, that season remains his one and only full 82-game campaign. I’ve argued that he still deserved consideration last season despite missing thirteen games but the fact remains, he has to stay healthy in order to be considered a finalist.
Letang’s skill plays perfectly into what’s sought out for Norris candidates. I stand strong in saying that when healthy he’s the best all-around defenseman in the NHL. There are plenty of good one-dimensional blue-liners in this league, Letang isn’t one of them. His offensive skills are rivaled only by top names like Erik Karlsson, P.K. Subban and Drew Doughty, while he’s also good defensively and plays with an aggressive edge.
In fact, Letang’s .75 points-per-game since 2010 ranks second among active defensemen, falling short of only Karlsson with .82 PPG.
Whether or not Letang can finally put together a full season remains to be seen. If he does, Pens’ fans will be in for a treat. Most of the offseason conversation in Pittsburgh has revolved around the addition of Phil Kessel and the impact he’ll have on Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin but don’t discount what Kris Letang offers from the back-end.
Next: 5 Thoughts Beginning the 2015-16 Season