Pictures of Kris

Awesome New Article about Letang

Pens' Letang close to realizing vast potential

Penguins defenseman Kris Letang realizes he has the potential to become a star and is also highly aware that, as a restricted free agent this summer, he soon could be paid like one.

Letang, though, is attempting to delay thinking about his new contract.

The defenseman has played some of his best hockey in recent games, and not coincidentally, the Penguins are showing signs of shedding their mid-season funk.

"I think he's pushing, and I think we're pushing him to step up his game," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. "He can be a guy who ends up being a shutdown guy with his skating ability and the way he plays defense."

With Letang a restricted free agent and Sergei Gonchar an unrestricted free agent, this summer could be interesting for Penguins GM Ray Shero.

Letang agrees that the subject of his impending contract comes up regularly.

"It's always tough," he said. "People around you talk about it. My family talks about it. They want what is best for me. And my friends talk about it all the time. So I always hear about it."

Letang is occasionally a lightning rod for criticism because of his immense talent. When his game is clicking, he looks like a star.

His occasional inconsistency, especially in the offensive zone, can be frustrating. But his teammates are quick to point out that he won't turn 23 until April.

"He's just so unique and so young," Penguins winger Ruslan Fedotenko said. "Right now, he's still in the part of his career where he's going through the growing process. He's still learning. He has a chance to be a great player when the growing process is over."

Letang has registered points in four of his past six games. Hesitant to shoot in the past, he has fired pucks on net more regularly in recent games.

His days of trying to be perfect might be over.

"That's always been my problem," he said. "I'm the kind of guy who likes to pick corners, you know, always trying to make the perfect shot. Now I've realized that you just need to get the puck on net and good things can happen."

While Letang is often viewed as an offensive defenseman because of his skill level and his outstanding work in shootouts, his defense has been steady for most of his Penguins career. His skating ability and underrated strength have made him one of the team's most reliable defenders.

"He probably doesn't get enough credit in that regard," said Mark Eaton, who generally is Letang's defense partner.

"Really, experience is all he needs at this point. He's got talent. He's going to keep getting better and better."

There is a swagger to Letang's game, one that indicates his best days are clearly ahead. Given his dynamic potential, it appears only some fine-tuning and old-fashioned hard work are required to see his game continue to elevate. Letang is always one of the last Penguins off the ice following practices, so his work ethic is never questioned.

The same can be said for his confidence.

"I don't think confidence is ever an issue with Tanger," Eaton said with a smile.

Letang is pleased with his recent performance and believes his future is bright. He just doesn't want to look too far into the future.

This summer can wait.

"You go through ups and downs in a season, and I didn't like how I was playing a couple of weeks ago," he said. "But I like how I'm playing now. I'm not going to worry about any contract stuff or anything right now. I just want to keep getting better and keep winning games."


Source:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_664431.html

Kristopher Letang vs Darroll Powe Fight Jan 24, 2010

Kris Letang 2008 All Star Game

Pens & Pins Bowling Fundraiser (1-22-2010)

Quote by Tangers

“Pretty awful” were the words that Kris Letang used to describe his golf skills.
“I’m not golfing,” Letang said. “I’m just going to enjoy it and chat with the guys.”

Tanger Scored

Kris Letang scored his 3rd goal of the season last night against the Washington Capitals!!!!!!!!!!!

WAY TO GO TANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

I can't believe that people are actually reading and looking at what I post on this blog! A huge THANK YOU if you have commented or check it out. I just wanted to show my support for a very cool hockey player in my book, Kris Letang #58.

Short Video about Kris Letang from Youtube

Kris Letang stats

http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/letankr01.html

Kris Letang

Position: D
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-0 Weight: 201 lbs.
Born: April 24, 1987 in Montreal, Quebec

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 3rd round (62nd overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.

58


Funny quote from that page:

Rides a unicorn off into the sunset while shaking his majestic hair that smells like Herbal Essences shampoo. Also, Tangers isn't a meteorologist.

Another video from youtube

Cool Christmas video of Kris Letang from youtube

Cool video of Kris Letang from youtube

Kris Letang Wikipedia page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kris_Letang

Kristopher Allen Letang (born April 24, 1987, in Montreal, Quebec) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Old Interview with Kris Letang

Cup Final Q&A with Kris Letang
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Q: What's the biggest thing you've learned about playing in the NHL your first full season here?

A: To play defensively. There are no bad players, so you have to be in great position all the time so you don't get beat.

Q: How did you end up a right-handed shot when it seems like so many defensemen are lefties?

A: There aren't a lot of right-handed defensemen who play offensively. I don't know why I am. In the street, when I was playing [as a youngster], I just curved my plastic blade on the right side.

Q: Looking back, how do you feel about being sent back to junior hockey early in 2006-07 after playing just seven games with the Penguins?

A: Very good. Obviously, I would rather play for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but I got some confidence, I went to the World Junior [Championships]. Now my first [full] year I'm in the Stanley Cup final. You can't expect more than that.

Q: As a rookie, how much grief did you get from your teammates?

A: A lot. A lot. At the beginning, you're not sure if you should laugh or get mad. Probably my problem was to be serious about it and never laugh and get rattled. Afterward, when you think about it, you just laugh.

Q: Have you learned your way around Pittsburgh or do you get lost?

A: I'm good. I've got my GPS in my car. Just maybe the bridges. I want to go somewhere and I think if I go by this way, I'm going to be able to go there, but there's too many bridges.


Source
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08149/885293-61.stm

Letang Scores

Kris scored his second goal of the season tonight against the Atlanta Thrashers!!!
January 5, 2010

GO TANGERS GO

Awesome Youtube video of Kris Letang

New Years Resolutions with the Penguins Jan 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKgG7coE104