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Random Kris Letang interview in French

Post Game Interviews: Crosby, Cooke & Letang (2-12-2010)

Tanger's music tastes

Tangers enjoys pretty heavy music for seemingly such a soft-spoken guy!
SONG / ARTIST:

* Wherever I May Roam -- Metallica
* Sad But True -- Metallica
* Around the World -- Red Hot Chili Peppers
* For Whom the Bell Tolls -- Metallica
* Welcome Home (Sanitarium) -- Metallica
* Freak On a Leash -- Korn
* Falling Away from Me -- Korn

Source
http://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/article_external/PENGUINS_PLAYLIST_Kris_Letang/1600406

Tanger Info

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

Kristopher Letang
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Born April 24, 1987 (1987-04-24) (age 22),
Sainte-Julie, QC
Height
Weight 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
201 lb (91 kg; 14 st 5 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Right
NHL team Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL Draft 62nd overall, 2005
Pittsburgh Penguins
Playing career 2006 – present
Letang during his time with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

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


Playing career

Letang played major junior for the Val-d'Or Foreurs of the QMJHL for three seasons. After recording 32 points in his junior rookie season, he was named to the QMJHL and the CHL All-Rookie Team.[1] That summer, he was drafted in the 3rd round, 62nd overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The next season, a 68-point effort in just 60 games earned him QMJHL First Team All-Star honours.[1]

Making the Penguins out of training camp, Letang made his NHL debut in the 2006–07 season. He scored his first NHL goal in his third game, against Rick DiPietro of the New York Islanders in a 6-5 win.[2] However, after two goals in seven games, Letang was scratched twice and then returned to Val-d'Or for further development.[3] Playing in his third season with Val-d'Or, Letang led the Foreurs to the 2007 QMJHL Finals with 31 points in the post-season, only to be swept by Lewiston in four games. Upon the Foreurs' elimination, he was assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL), who was in the second round of the Calder Cup playoffs,[4] and recorded an assist in his only game. At the season's end, he was the recipient of three major QMJHL awards. In addition to receiving the Emile Bouchard Trophy, as the best defenceman, and the Paul Dumont Trophy, as the best personality, Letang also received the Kevin Lowe Trophy, as the best defensive defenceman, indicative of Letang's abilities on both ends of the ice.

After beginning the 2007–08 season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Letang was quickly recalled by Pittsburgh after recording 7 points in 10 games in the minors. Letang excelled in his rookie season with Pittsburgh, and was invited to the 2008 NHL YoungStars Game during All-Star weekend along with teammate Tyler Kennedy.[5] He completed the season with 17 points in 63 games, sixth among rookie defencemen. Making his NHL playoff debut, Letang helped the Penguins to the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals where they were defeated in six games by the Detroit Red Wings.


Going into the 2008–09 season, the Penguins' top two defencemen, Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney were both put on the long-term injured reserve, immediately increasing Letang's responsibilities on the team's blueline. He was placed on the Penguins top defensive pairing with Brooks Orpik, replacing Gonchar.[6] The increased playing time resulted in a 10-goal, 33-point season, leading all team defencemen.[7] During the season, Letang was also invited to his second NHL YoungStars Game during the 2009 All-Star weekend in his hometown of Montreal, playing for the Sophomores team.

After the Penguins eliminated the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round, Letang scored his first career NHL playoff goal in game three of the second round against the Washington Capitals on May 6, 2009, in overtime.[8] Letang's playing status for the game had been uncertain due to a suspected shoulder injury resulting from a Mike Green hit received in game three.[9] Nevertheless, his game winning goal cut the Capitals' series lead to 2–1, helping Pittsburgh overcome the initial 2–0 series deficit and win in seven games.

Letang won the Stanley Cup on June 12, 2009, with the Pittsburgh Penguins. They defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 at Joe Louis Arena. Letang had one goal in the series, in Game 3.
International play
Medal record
Competitor for Canada
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Gold 2007 Sweden
Gold 2006 Vancouver
IIHF World U18 Championships
Silver 2005 Czech Republic

Letang debuted internationally for Team Canada in his junior rookie season during the 2005 World U18 Championships in the Czech Republic. Letang scored 4 points in 6 games in a silver medal effort, losing to the United States in the final.

The next two years, Letang competed in the World Junior Championships, earning gold in 2006 and 2007, as part of a current five-year Canadian championship run. He won the first gold medal with Team Canada in Vancouver as the host country, then returned the next year in Sweden to score 6 points in 6 games as team captain.[1] Letang was named to the tournament All-Star Team, along with national teammates Carey Price and Jonathan Toews.


Awards

Major Junior

* Named to the QMJHL All-Rookie Team in 2005.
* Named to the CHL All-Rookie Team in 2005.
* Named to the QMJHL First All-Star Team in 2006 and 2007.
* Awarded the Emile Bouchard Trophy (best defenceman) in 2007.
* Awarded the Kevin Lowe Trophy (best defensive defenceman) in 2007.
* Awarded the Paul Dumont Trophy (QMJHL best personality) in 2007.

NHL

* Played in the NHL YoungStars Game in 2008 and 2009.
* Won the Stanley Cup in the 2008-2009 NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins

International

* Won the World Junior gold medal (Team Canada) in 2006 and 2007.
* Named to the World Junior All-Star Team in 2007.


Personal life

Letang lost one of his closest friends, Luc Bourdon, who was a defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks, in a motorcycle accident on May 29, 2008. Letang was at the time playing in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals against the Detroit Red Wings. He and Bourdon had been teammates in junior with the Val-d'Or Foreurs and the Canadian junior team. He had been planning on buying a motorcycle but decided against it following the death of Bourdon.[10]

Career statistics
Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2004–05 Val-d'Or Foreurs QMJHL 70 13 19 32 117 — — — — —
2005–06 Val-d'Or Foreurs QMJHL 60 25 43 68 156 5 1 5 6 20
2006–07 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 7 2 0 2 4 — — — — —
2006–07 Val-d'Or Foreurs QMJHL 31 13 35 48 56 19 12 19 31 48
2006–07 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL — — — — — 1 0 1 1 2
2007–08 Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins AHL 10 1 6 7 4 — — — — —
2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 63 6 11 17 23 16 0 2 2 12
2008–09 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 74 10 23 33 24 23 4 9 13 26
NHL totals 144 18 34 52 51 39 4 11 15 38
[edit] International statistics
Regular season
Year Team Event GP G A Pts PIM
2005 Canada U18 6 2 2 4 20
2006 Canada WJC 6 1 2 3 2
2007 Canada WJC 6 0 6 6 12
Junior totals 18 3 10 13 36
[edit] See also

* Team Canada at the 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships


References

1. ^ a b c "Kris Letang". Hockey Hall of Fame. http://www.legendsofhockey.net:8080/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=21680. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
2. ^ "Crosby scores in closing seconds to give Pittsburgh 6-5 win". International Herald Tribune. 2006-10-12. http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/10/13/sports/NA_SPT_HKY_NHL_Roundup.php. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
3. ^ "Staal staying with Penguins". Sporting News. 2006-10-30. http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=143507. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
4. ^ "Baby Penguins pick up Letang". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 2007-05-10. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07130/784985-61.stm. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
5. ^ "Letang, Kennedy selected to play in YoungStars game". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 2008-01-16. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08016/849504-61.stm. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
6. ^ "Heavier load for Letang". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. 2008-10-13. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_593007.html. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
7. ^ "2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins [NHL"]. Hockeydb.com. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000502009.html. Retrieved 2009-06-02.
8. ^ "Caps tie late but Letang rescues Penguins in OT to cut series lead to 2-1". ESPN. 2009-05-06. http://espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=290506016. Retrieved 2009-06-02.
9. ^ "Letang's OT goal gives Pens 3-2 win". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 2009-05-06. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09127/968393-61.stm. Retrieved 2009-06-02.
10. ^ "Penguins' Letang loses best friend in Bourdon". TSN. 2008-05-30. http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239260&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main. Retrieved 2008-11-28.

[edit] External links

* Kristopher Letang's NHL player profile
* Kristopher Letang's career stats at The Internet Hockey Database
* Kristopher Letang at TSN.ca
* Kristopher Letang's biography at Legends of Hockey

Old Article about Letang

Bourdon’s Death Hits Pens’ Letang Hard



Penguins defenseman Kris Letang was enjoying an off day on Wednesday when a call from his agent delivered the horrible news that Luc Bourdon, one of Letang’s best friends, had been killed in a motorcycle accident.

Letang said he had just spoken to Bourdon three days ago, shortly after he had bought the motorcycle.
Source
http://slapshot.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/kris-letang/


“We were talking about his motorcycle, and I never thought it would happen,” Letang said. “I can’t still believe it, because when you lose someone close like that, you can’t do much. And it’s so tough to me.”

Letang and Bourdon, both 21, were junior hockey teammates for two seasons in Val d’Or, Quebec, and played together during two World Junior Championship victories for Canada.

“We were supposed to go on vacation this summer, and he was coming to Montreal all summer long to train,” Letang said. “He was really funny. He was a guy who always stuck up for you and always be there for you.”

Letang had been removed from the Penguins’ lineup in favor of veteran Darryl Sydor for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final, but suddenly that was far from Letang’s mind.

Another old interview with Kris

Kris Letang Intermission Interview Video

New article about Kris February 2010

Source:
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=516822&navid=DL|PIT|home

Letang's Defensive Play Spurs Offensive Game

Kris Letang’s offensive exploits are always going to overshadow his work in the defensive zone. Especially when fans see his overpowering shot and smooth skating motion, and can’t help but imagine the numbers he could post manning the left point on the Penguins power play, where his right-handed shot would look great one-timing backdoor feeds from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

But all those people who want offense, offense and more offense from Letang have a misconception about the way he plays the game. In addition to what he can do with the puck on his blade, Letang has begun developing into a pretty fair shutdown defender – one the Penguins can use to match up against some of the top stars in the game.

“I think Kris Letang is a different guy because I think he possesses the ability to play against the other team’s best player skating wise and physical wise,” head coach Dan Bylsma said.

When the Penguins took on the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center on Sunday afternoon Bylsma called on Letang to pair up with defensive-minded Brooks Orpik against one of the top forward units in the game – Washington’s top line of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Knuble.

Orpik, who also spent time partnering with Letang earlier in the season when the Penguins had a rash of injuries on the blue line, believes that Letang’s offensive game actually benefits from the increased responsibilities defensively.

“I think when he plays well defensively like he has the past couple of weeks, that is when he starts to get other chances offensively,” Orpik said. “He is a guy who is very talented. I think he is a really good transition defenseman.

“I think a lot of fans and the media try to make him out to be an offensive guy, which I don’t think he is. If you watch (Sergei) Gonchar and (Alex) Goligoski, they are pure offensive guys. Tanger can chip in offensively but I don’t think he is ever going to pick up a ton of points.”

While his forte will always be his ability to add offense from the back line, and Letang himself will tell you that is the No. 1 strength in his game, he also adds that he has taken a lot of pride improving his play in his own zone.

“I think I have focused more on playing a good defensive game,” Letang said. “That is something that is really important to me. As soon as you get out of the zone then you can create scoring chances offensively.”

The numbers on Letang this season certainly back the claim that he is playing arguably the best defense of his career.

Through his first 50 games of the season, Letang has posted a plus-3 rating, the best mark of his career. Even more impressive, Letang has only been minus-2 or worse twice this season, compared to eight such instances last year, which shows he is starting to add more consistency to his game.

“When he is playing well he plays well defensively, whether it is off the rush or in the D-zone,” Bylsma said. “He is quick and physical. He is then quick in transitioning into the offensive mode – making a play out of the defensive zone and then transitioning offensively. I think that’s where he is different.”

Perhaps Letang’s best performance of the season came on Feb. 1 when the Penguins hosted the Buffalo Sabres. On that night Letang twice turned good defensive plays into transition offense, allowing him to pick up a pair of helpers, as he finished the game with a season-best plus-3 rating.

In the first period Letang backhanded a Buffalo centering pass out of midair to spring Tyler Kennedy the other way on a rush which ended with Mark Letestu’s first career NHL goal.

“A lot of his physical, skating and defensive abilities complement what he can do with the puck because he can turn it quickly into offense,” Bylsma said. “I think that is one of his strengths – can quickly transition the other way and create opportunities for our forwards.”

Later that game, Letang cleared a rebound away from Marc-Andre Fleury and instead of shooting the puck back up the boards where the Sabres were pinching, he simply used his wheels to circle behind the Penguins net before throwing a perfect tape-to-tape pass onto the stick of Crosby in the neutral zone, who eventually ripped a shot past Ryan Miller to complete his hat trick.

Orpik says plays like those, when Letang showcases his defense, quick feet and precision passing, are what makes him different than some of the Penguins’ other offensive blueliners.

“He is a guy who when he puts a lot of pressure on himself to get points and generate offense, that is when he doesn’t get a lot of points,” Orpik said. I think when he concentrates on playing well defensively, that other stuff comes and plays happen for him.”

Most impressively when it comes to Letang is how his improving defensive play has not taken much from his offensive numbers. Although his points per game figure is down slightly from 0.45 last season, when he picked up 33 points (10G-23A) in 74 games, to 0.42 this season, a recent stretch where he has picked up six points (1G-5A) over his previous nine games puts him in position to surpass last season’s total if he can continue such strong play over the final 23 games of the season.

Through Letang’s first 50 games of the season he has picked up 21 points (3G-18A).

If you are looking for a reason why Letang’s numbers should continue their ascension upwards, take a look at how many more pucks he has been getting to the net over the past few weeks.

During his first 41 games Letang recorded three or more shots 13 times, or an average of once every 3.2 games. Over these past nine games Letang has registered three or more shots seven times, including five on Sunday against Washington and a season-high six on Jan. 31 against the Detroit Red Wings.

“I would say it’s a comfort thing with him,” Gonchar said. “He is a guy who has always had the talent and has always been able to skate well. Now he is getting more comfortable and it’s allowing him to play better and shoot the puck more.”

“I think I am just being able to get open on the blue line and everybody is confident that I am going to be able to get my shot on net,” Letang said. “I feel like I’m doing a good job of getting open and I credit the forwards for doing a great job of getting the puck back to us.”

Letang

Kris Letang's Stanley Cup Journal Entry August 2009

We'll start with Kris Letang, who enjoyed his day with the Stanley Cup on Wednesday, August 5. Just after 8:00AM, the Cup arrived at his home in Montreal, Quebec. Family pictures were taken with Lord Stanley's silver chalice while Kris's mother had a terrific breakfast of apple and cheese crepes. Kris's Mom and stepfather drank Mimosas (champagne and orange juice) from the Stanley Cup, but Kris refused to take even a sip.

Kris showed a scrapbook that had been made covering his career to date, including the Stanley Cup run. An amusing letter included came from the desk of Jack Lambert, who won four Super Bowls in his 11-season career as middle-linebacker with football's Pittsburgh Steelers. "If you plan on making #58 famous in Pittsburgh, you've got a long way to go," wrote the member of both the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams.

To be candid, winning the Stanley Cup was a melancholy experience for Letang. He was unable to share the exhilaration with his best friend, Luc Bourdon, who died in a motorcycle accident just over a year earlier (May 29, 2008). Kris had befriended the Vancouver Canuck when they played together in junior with the Val d'Or Foreurs. Nevertheless, he dedicated the win to his friend and used his ability to raise money with the Stanley Cup to support the Luc Bourdon Foundation, which gives youngsters better access to sports.

A close friend who had played hockey with Kris since they were young boys dropped by to celebrate with Kris. Yes, Marc-Andre showed up to congratulate his long-time friend. No, not THAT Marc-Andre — the Penguins’ goaltender dropped by to celebrate with Letang later that evening.

Kris stopped by Kasual Clothing, owned and operated by friends. He spent a couple of hours at the St. Bruno location, meeting customers and staff and having his picture taken with the Stanley Cup.

A special reception had been planned for Letang and the Stanley Cup when they arrived in Ste-Julie, an off-island suburb of Montreal. Welcomed by Mayor Suzanne Roy, Kris signed the 'Golden Book,' then answered questions posed by the media. Photos were taken with civic employees while sandwiches were served.

Kris made a passionate speech about the incredible support he received from the community. "They say that in Ste-Julie, like everywhere else in Quebec, hockey is suffering. I want the kids to take away a thought from my visit with the Stanley Cup here today -- anything is possible. I was never a star in minor hockey, but I worked hard and stayed at it and I not only made the National Hockey League but today, I bring you the Stanley Cup!"

More than 3,000 people waited for Kris's arrival at the arena. He drove with the Stanley Cup down the centre aisle on a golf cart, welcomed by a tumultuous cheer. There was a gated area where special members of the local minor hockey association met the local hero.

There were so many people in the crowd that individual photos with the Stanley Cup so Kris decided to do 'team pictures,' asking 6 to 8 people at a time to pose with the glorious trophy. Even then, the event went on to close to four hours. Donations amounting to $5,000 went to the Luc Bourdon Foundation.

Needing to relax, Kris went back to his Mom and stepfather's house for an hour before heading off to a great meal at Le Vieux Four. There, at a private party, Kris and his guests, numbering almost 150, enjoyed the Mediterranean grill, pizza, sushi and pasta. Each person got a picture taken with the Stanley Cup, including his teammate and friend, Marc-Andre Fleury.

At 11:00PM, Letang headed down to St. Laurent, and took the Stanley Cup to Buonanotte, an incredible nightclub. Hundreds of people were there, and the excitement grew to such a pitch that the local police had to escort Kris and the Cup away from the horde of fans.

The constables took Kris and the Cup into a nearby alley and were only too happy to get pictures with the Pittsburgh Penguins star and the Stanley Cup.

Kris's time was just about up when he exclaimed, "Wait! Do you realize that today is the fifth day of the eighth month of the year? That makes today 5/8. And what's my number? 58!"

Some things are just meant to be!

Random Quote

French
que l'arrangement de nombre revient à moi en périodes au delà de notre battement de coeur

English
that the arrangement of numbers back to me in times beyond our heartbeat

Second Star of the Night

Kris was the second star of tonight's game against the Sabers with 2 assists!!!!

GO TANGER GO!!!!!!!!!