TribLive: On Kris Letang’s frustrations and current playing
These are the two exceprts relating to Kris’ current playing from TribLive’s writer Rob Rossi. Excellent read (basically, it’s a MUST read for all fans).
By Rob Rossi Published: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, 4:18 p.m.
Kris Letang is frustrated.
His primary source of dissatisfaction is an underwhelming offensive start — four goals and one assist in 16 games entering Wednesday night’s game against Toronto — and lingering discomfort in a right knee that was injured late in training camp.
Letang missed the Penguins’ opening nine games to rest and rehabilitate the knee, but soreness remains.
A Norris Trophy (top defenseman) finalist last season, Letang was the only defenseman to average a point per game.
He was not pleased with his removal from the Penguins’ top power-play unit last week. Defenseman Paul Martin replaced him.
Letang ranked 10th among NHL defensemen in power-play points (13) last season, but he hoped to improve upon that this season to add to his credentials for inclusion on Canada’s Olympic squad.
He had only three power-play points before the Penguins played the Maple Leafs.
Martin is out four to six weeks with a broken tibia, so Letang was to return to the top power-play unit against Toronto. He also was to be paired with Brooks Orpik, with whom he played throughout the 2010-11 season — the last time he had a regular defense partner.
Penguins coach Dan Bylsma has not said he is displeased with Letang.
“With the way the league is right now, he still is (playing against) good players and big minutes and defensive situations,” Bylsma said.
Letang had averaged 24 minutes, 42 seconds of ice time. Montreal’s P.K. Subban, who won the Norris last season, averaged only eight more seconds than Letang.
However, Letang feels he has carried the puck less this season. The Penguins have switched to a neutral-zone defensive system that placed three players, usually two defensemen, behind the puck at all times.
Though he has played the past eight games with rookie Olli Maatta, Letang is miffed that his lack of a consistent partner often goes overlooked regarding public criticism that has irked him dating to the end of last season.
He has played in only four periods with Rob Scuderi (broken ankle). Scuderi was signed in July specifically to play alongside Letang.
Read more: http://triblive.com/sports/penguins/5157570-74/letang-season-penguins
A lot will be made about Kris Letang between now and when the Penguins next play at home.
Too much, probably.
Certainly, too much about what has him frustrated – particularly the part about him paying attention to public criticism of his performances dating to last postseason.
So, the problem people have is that he cares what they think?
Right.
Letang has proven himself many things in our seven seasons together.
Mostly, he has proven himself a deeply introspective person, somebody that cares deeply what people think of him and about his place within the organization and sport he loves.
The promise of big money – like the $58 million guaranteed to him starting next season – will not change this about Letang.
It should not change this about Letang.
His want to play on the power play and perform is not selfish. He desires to represent his country at the Olympics, and at 26 this may prove his last great chance. Racking power-play points could give him an edge on competition that is a deep corps of defensemen for Canada.
His want to carry the puck is not misguided. Few players at his position, perhaps only Ottawa’s Erik Karlsson, can match Letang’s ability to dictate offensively. The puck is better served on his stick blade.
His want to be recognized as the Penguins’ top defenseman is not unreasonable. Money only means so much. The respect of coaches and management can mean more to a player that is set financially for generations.
Letang is unfairly labeled a lot of ways within the media and by fans.
Criticize his performance, not his thoughts.
And remember when doing that that his biggest crime is that he cares.
