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Pittsburgh Penguins’ 3 Stars of the Weekend

By Kayleigh Jackson

Dec 31, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) receives congratulations from center Evgeni Malkin (71) and center Sidney Crosby (87) after scoring in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) receives congratulations from center Evgeni Malkin (71) and center Sidney Crosby (87) after scoring in the second period against the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Penguins had a triumphant weekend of games against the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers, collectively outscoring their opponents 10-4. Which three players stood out the most?

The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off a successful weekend of back to back games against the Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers. They trounced the Wings 7-2 and snuck past the Rangers in an overtime win, 3-2. Players throughout the roster contributed in big ways to both wins, but who were the most effective?

We asked, you answered.

Based on feedback from Penguins fans (and of course, personal opinions), your three stars of the weekend are Carl Hagelin, Kris Letang, and Phil Kessel. Here’s a look at what kind of plays got them to this point.

Third Star: Carl Hagelin

There are two points in this season that could arguably be the turning point for the Penguins. The first was hiring Mike Sullivan as head coach; the second was acquiring Carl Hagelin from the Anaheim Ducks.

Both options affected the Penguins in different ways, but Hagelin’s impact was hugely felt this past weekend. Pittsburgh’s second line has been one of the most effective in the league as of late, and Hagelin has been a major part of that.

Hagelin has five game-winning goals since joining the Penguins, but that’s not (entirely) why he’s on this list. He had three points this past weekend – two goals against Detroit (one being the winner) and one assist against the Rangers – but he helped both of his linemates post career games.

His speed and determined pursuit of the puck were big factors in Sunday’s win against the team that drafted him.

Second Star: Kris Letang

Kris Letang is a difference-maker in nearly every game that he plays. His speed matches well with the ever-faster front end and is a significant reason the Penguins have rebounded into one of the most feared teams in the league.

Letang also put up three points this weekend, with two assists and one goal. For a defenseman, that’s great – and Letang’s offensive prowess even from the blue line shows how deep the Penguins are.

Even with the absence of his normal defensive partner, Olli Maatta, Letang has showed why he is the Penguins’ number one defenseman. He played nearly all of the overtime period against the Rangers (which, if you forgot, is 3-on-3 and therefore even more exhausting than it used to be) and assisted on Sidney Crosby‘s winning goal.

He plays about thirty minutes every night and plays them well, which bolsters the defense and, dare I say it, inspires them to play more like Letang. Trevor Daley almost matches his speed and Justin Schultz never hesitates to shoot on net.

A player like Letang is invaluable for the Penguins, combining offensive and defensive abilities in one skilled package.

First Star: Phil Kessel

Surprise, surprise. Phil Kessel hasn’t always played up to his best ability for the Penguins, but Hagelin’s arrival has seemed to help him step up his game. In Saturday’s showdown against Detroit, Kessel put up five points, as did his centerman, Nick Bonino.

Both players posted career games and Kessel went on to add two more points to his weekend total against the Rangers, including a goal. Seven points in two games is ridiculously good and played a major part in the NHL naming Kessel their “third star of the week.”

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He was certainly the first star of the weekend for the Penguins, though.

Honorable Mentions

Sidney Crosby and Matt Cullen receive two honorable mentions for their play this weekend as well.

Crosby scored the overtime winner against the New York Rangers after battling with Mats Zuccarello in front of the net and deflecting Letang’s shot in. Despite only putting up two points for the weekend (I say “only,” like that still isn’t an impressive point-per-game rate) Crosby made myriad attempts on goal.

He set up plays for his teammates and for himself multiple times in both games and showed why he is one of the best players and leaders in the world.

Matt Cullen, his fellow runner-up, called him a “man among boys” in his postgame interview on Sunday. That statement, coming from a guy over ten years Crosby’s senior, holds even more value.

Cullen had one goal this weekend, helping keep the Penguins in it as the Rangers game went back and forth. Wearing the “A” while Evgeni Malkin is out of the lineup, Cullen provides veteran leadership and an unexpected scoring touch at a bargain price.

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