Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
My Readers and Followers Listen Up Please and Thanks
"58 or More Reasons to Love Kris Letang" on facebook is trying to get this company called Bleacher Creatures to make a Kris Letang doll. Here is the tweet that one of the ladies who owns "58 Reasons" said,
"Ok gals and guys.. Bleacher Creatures says they will make a Letang doll but we have to get 900 people to commit to buying one. I will message them for details."
They also posted it on the "58 Reasons" page on facebook too. Those of us who are Letang fans we can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is the link to the "58 Reasons" page on facebook to see any more updates as they happen.
https://www.facebook.com/58reasons
Here is the "58 Reasons" twitter link too if that is how you want to see what else is going on.
http://twitter.com/#!/58reasons
"Ok gals and guys.. Bleacher Creatures says they will make a Letang doll but we have to get 900 people to commit to buying one. I will message them for details."
They also posted it on the "58 Reasons" page on facebook too. Those of us who are Letang fans we can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here is the link to the "58 Reasons" page on facebook to see any more updates as they happen.
https://www.facebook.com/58reasons
Here is the "58 Reasons" twitter link too if that is how you want to see what else is going on.
http://twitter.com/#!/58reasons
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Letang inspired
Kristopher Letang was frustrated to miss the match yesterday, serving a suspension for applying a checking from behind Alex Burmistrov, the Jets.
"It was not a good time to lose the services of a player with all the injuries we have, he acknowledged. I practice a style of play intense and I never take half measures when I hit a rival.
"The fact remains that we must learn to control his passions, the defender said from Montreal. I explained to Brendan Shanahan that I did not push the player the Jets against the ramp intentionally.
"I told him that I disagreed with his decision to suspend me for two games, continued Letang. I respect, however, because its priority is to ensure the safety of players. Shanahan was still playing in the NHL there is not so long ago. He knows that the game takes place very quickly. "
Letang knew a great start to the season with a harvest of a goal and six assists in seven games, while presenting a form of defensive 3. Some evenings, he played close to 30 minutes per game.
Coach Georges St-Pierre
Letang has only 24, but it is already considered one of the best defenders in the NHL.
It takes all necessary means to improve and he also changed his personal trainer last summer.
"I chose to follow the training program as prescribed me Jonathan Chamber, working with Georges St-Pierre. I immediately saw a big difference, "said Letang.
"I feel stronger, more durable. I did lots of cardio. That should allow me to avoid a loss of power in the second half of the season, when fatigue sets. "
Letang had the opportunity to meet St. Peter a few times during the summer and was impressed by the athleticism of the UFC champion.
Source: http://tvasports.ca/tvasports/hockey/archives/2011/10/20111021-085213.html
(Original article in French so google translator is not great but its the best I can do. LOL)
"It was not a good time to lose the services of a player with all the injuries we have, he acknowledged. I practice a style of play intense and I never take half measures when I hit a rival.
"The fact remains that we must learn to control his passions, the defender said from Montreal. I explained to Brendan Shanahan that I did not push the player the Jets against the ramp intentionally.
"I told him that I disagreed with his decision to suspend me for two games, continued Letang. I respect, however, because its priority is to ensure the safety of players. Shanahan was still playing in the NHL there is not so long ago. He knows that the game takes place very quickly. "
Letang knew a great start to the season with a harvest of a goal and six assists in seven games, while presenting a form of defensive 3. Some evenings, he played close to 30 minutes per game.
Coach Georges St-Pierre
Letang has only 24, but it is already considered one of the best defenders in the NHL.
It takes all necessary means to improve and he also changed his personal trainer last summer.
"I chose to follow the training program as prescribed me Jonathan Chamber, working with Georges St-Pierre. I immediately saw a big difference, "said Letang.
"I feel stronger, more durable. I did lots of cardio. That should allow me to avoid a loss of power in the second half of the season, when fatigue sets. "
Letang had the opportunity to meet St. Peter a few times during the summer and was impressed by the athleticism of the UFC champion.
Source: http://tvasports.ca/tvasports/hockey/archives/2011/10/20111021-085213.html
(Original article in French so google translator is not great but its the best I can do. LOL)
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Pens take no issue with Letang suspension
ST. PAUL, Minnesota — The Penguins offered no complaint after the NHL suspended defenseman Kris Letang two games Tuesday for a boarding penalty incurred the previous night.
In the third period of the 2-1 loss at Winnipeg, Letang hit Jets left winger Alexander Burmistrov from behind. Burmistrov went into the boards — he was not injured — and Letang was assessed a minor penalty.
Tuesday, Letang had a conference-call hearing with NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan, after which the league announced the suspension, one that kept Letang from playing last night at Minnesota and will keep him out Thursday at home against Montreal. Under the league's labor agreement, Letang will forfeit $37,837.84 of his salary to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
Penguins coach Dan Bylsma wasn't at all critical of Letang's suspension. Bylsma said that, based on preseason directives issued by the NHL, "I wasn't real surprised they were looking at that hit."
Referring to Burmistrov, Bylsma said, "It's slightly unfortunate in that it's a player who knows he's going to be hit but allows himself to be hit. At the same time, we went aggressively into the check."
NHL general managers agreed at their meetings in March to more strictly enforce boarding.
Letang also wasn`t critical of the suspension, though he maintained he meant Burmistrov no harm.
"I'm not trying to hit somebody. I'm more trying to make a play and keep the puck in," Letang said. "I think every play out there is different, and every play should be looked at differently.
Shanahan explained his decision in a video statement on NHL.com: "Letang recognizes that Burmistrov will get to the puck first, and Letang gets into an athletic defensive position. At this point, this is no longer a puck that is up for grabs, and Letang is going to play the man. In our opinion, Burmistrov's path to the puck is predictable, and there are no sudden movements just prior or simultaneous with the hit. In spite of the fact that Letang is looking at Burmistrov in the numbers, he finishes his check hard and with authority, and fails to minimize the check."
The league also considered, Shanahan said, that Letang was fined in April for a similar hit.
Even before Letang was suspended, the Penguins recalled defenseman Brian Strait from their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He joined the lineup immediately. Strait, 23, was among the Penguins' better performers and final cuts of training camp, then had a goal, three assists and a plus-6 rating in five minor-league games.
Source: First off Thanks "58 Reasons on Facebook" and second the real source
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_762602.html#.Tp7rWomIHQ8.facebook
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
NHL Suspends Penguins' Kris Letang for Two Games
NEW YORK (October 18, 2011) – Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang has been suspended, without pay, for two games for boarding Winnipeg forward Alex Burmistrov during NHL Game No. 66 Monday night in Winnipeg, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Letang will forfeit $37,837.84. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
At 13:08 of the third period, Letang hit Burmistrov from behind, driving him into the boards. Letang was assessed a minor penalty for boarding.
Letang will miss games tonight at Minnesota and Thursday, Oct. 20, vs. Montreal. He will be eligible to return Saturday, Oct. 22, vs. New Jersey.
For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=128880.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Letang will forfeit $37,837.84. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
At 13:08 of the third period, Letang hit Burmistrov from behind, driving him into the boards. Letang was assessed a minor penalty for boarding.
Letang will miss games tonight at Minnesota and Thursday, Oct. 20, vs. Montreal. He will be eligible to return Saturday, Oct. 22, vs. New Jersey.
For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=128880.
Monday, October 17, 2011
New Article about Kris to enjoy :)
Penguins Notebook: Letang conditioned to be a marathon man on skates
Defenseman Kris Letang played 23 minutes, 20 seconds Saturday night. Took a couple of shots. Blocked one by Buffalo.
That's a slow night at the office for Letang this season.
His ice time in the Penguins' 3-2 loss to the Sabres dropped his average to 26:26, still highest on his team and among the leaders in the NHL. He is averaging 27.5 shifts per contest.
"I think every player wants to spend the most minutes [he can] on the ice," Letang said. "It's always rewarding that your coach likes to put you out there.
"I put a lot of emphasis on having good [cardiovascular health] and being able to go for a long time."
Letang, 24, who undergoes a torturous offseason workout regimen, averaged 24:02 of ice time and 25.5 shifts a game last season, when he was a Norris Trophy candidate.
His elevated numbers early this season are all the more noteworthy because the Penguins have a jam-packed schedule this month, having already played six games in the first 11 days with consecutive games tonight at Winnipeg and Tuesday at Minnesota.
"It's a lot, but sometimes there are situations in a game where you don't get as tired as some other games," Letang said. "Some games I'm going to play 23 minutes and I'm going to be really tired. Some games I'm going to play 28 minutes and not feel as tired.
"I'm working hard to be able to play a lot."
His extra ice time so far hasn't diminished his other numbers.
He has a goal and five assists, giving him a share of the lead among NHL defensemen with six points after Saturday's games. He leads the team with 11 blocked shots and is tied for the team lead with 12 hits. He has a plus-minus rating of plus-3.
Source:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11290/1182781-61-0.stm?cmpid=penguins.xml
Defenseman Kris Letang played 23 minutes, 20 seconds Saturday night. Took a couple of shots. Blocked one by Buffalo.
That's a slow night at the office for Letang this season.
His ice time in the Penguins' 3-2 loss to the Sabres dropped his average to 26:26, still highest on his team and among the leaders in the NHL. He is averaging 27.5 shifts per contest.
"I think every player wants to spend the most minutes [he can] on the ice," Letang said. "It's always rewarding that your coach likes to put you out there.
"I put a lot of emphasis on having good [cardiovascular health] and being able to go for a long time."
Letang, 24, who undergoes a torturous offseason workout regimen, averaged 24:02 of ice time and 25.5 shifts a game last season, when he was a Norris Trophy candidate.
His elevated numbers early this season are all the more noteworthy because the Penguins have a jam-packed schedule this month, having already played six games in the first 11 days with consecutive games tonight at Winnipeg and Tuesday at Minnesota.
"It's a lot, but sometimes there are situations in a game where you don't get as tired as some other games," Letang said. "Some games I'm going to play 23 minutes and I'm going to be really tired. Some games I'm going to play 28 minutes and not feel as tired.
"I'm working hard to be able to play a lot."
His extra ice time so far hasn't diminished his other numbers.
He has a goal and five assists, giving him a share of the lead among NHL defensemen with six points after Saturday's games. He leads the team with 11 blocked shots and is tied for the team lead with 12 hits. He has a plus-minus rating of plus-3.
Source:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11290/1182781-61-0.stm?cmpid=penguins.xml
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
New Article about Kris from the Trib I found online
Pens' Letang is staying fresh in brutal stretch
Kris Letang, like many notable Penguins, did not practice Wednesday, which is not to suggest he took the day off.
Trainers treated a few of his bruises that come with playing defense in the NHL. Letang also studied video of his latest gem of a performance — an assist, a plus-3 rating, two hits and a blocked shot in the 25 minutes, 48 seconds he played Tuesday night in a 4-2 win over Florida.
However, most important Wednesday, Letang had his legs stretched and massaged.
The regular season is only a week old and Letang is just 24, but keeping him fresh is a priority for coach Dan Bylsma, as the Penguins continue a wicked October schedule.
"Typically, at the beginning of the year, you're still getting work in, (but) we've got 13 games with very little practice time," Bylsma said. "Rest and practice time is more like you'd see at the end of the year right now."
Letang, considered by some a Norris Trophy favorite this season, has clearly established himself as the Penguins' No. 1 defenseman. Working on the left side because of Brooks Orpik's abdominal injury, his six points lead the club, as does his average ice time of 26:48.
That average is nearly two minutes too much.
"I think around 25 is a good number," Letang said. "It allows you to stay fresh all game."
To stay fresh between games, Letang has maintained a "healthy diet." He has eliminated unnecessary sugars and is eating more fish than at any point in his life.
He produced only nine points after Jan. 12 last season, a finish as frustrating as the start that earned him a first All-Star Game selection was strong.
That recent history might convince a player to steady his pace in the new season's opening months.
"When you're tired, you have to learn when it's time to make a safe play, like going off the wall instead of trying to do too much," he said. "But I don't want to conserve. I never want to manage my energy."
Source:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_761590.html?source=rss&feed=8
Kris Letang, like many notable Penguins, did not practice Wednesday, which is not to suggest he took the day off.
Trainers treated a few of his bruises that come with playing defense in the NHL. Letang also studied video of his latest gem of a performance — an assist, a plus-3 rating, two hits and a blocked shot in the 25 minutes, 48 seconds he played Tuesday night in a 4-2 win over Florida.
However, most important Wednesday, Letang had his legs stretched and massaged.
The regular season is only a week old and Letang is just 24, but keeping him fresh is a priority for coach Dan Bylsma, as the Penguins continue a wicked October schedule.
"Typically, at the beginning of the year, you're still getting work in, (but) we've got 13 games with very little practice time," Bylsma said. "Rest and practice time is more like you'd see at the end of the year right now."
Letang, considered by some a Norris Trophy favorite this season, has clearly established himself as the Penguins' No. 1 defenseman. Working on the left side because of Brooks Orpik's abdominal injury, his six points lead the club, as does his average ice time of 26:48.
That average is nearly two minutes too much.
"I think around 25 is a good number," Letang said. "It allows you to stay fresh all game."
To stay fresh between games, Letang has maintained a "healthy diet." He has eliminated unnecessary sugars and is eating more fish than at any point in his life.
He produced only nine points after Jan. 12 last season, a finish as frustrating as the start that earned him a first All-Star Game selection was strong.
That recent history might convince a player to steady his pace in the new season's opening months.
"When you're tired, you have to learn when it's time to make a safe play, like going off the wall instead of trying to do too much," he said. "But I don't want to conserve. I never want to manage my energy."
Source:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_761590.html?source=rss&feed=8
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Kris in Sports Illustrated
• Kris Letang might be the MVP of the first week of the season. Not only has he helped the Penguins to two victories in three games as they deal with injuries to their two star players (more below), he's also helping all over the ice. Letang has five points (1g, 4a) to tie for the NHL scoring lead, and three of those points have come with the man advantage. He's also taken 10 shots on net and has blocked seven shots.
Kris Letang's play on both halves of the ice has been instrumental in keeping the Penguins winning without Sidney Crosby.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/fantasy/10/11/fantasy-nhl/index.html#ixzz1aciakV8Y
Source
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/fantasy/10/11/fantasy-nhl/index.html#ixzz1abYdvjgS
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/fantasy/10/11/fantasy-nhl/index.html#ixzz1aciakV8Y
Source
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/fantasy/10/11/fantasy-nhl/index.html#ixzz1abYdvjgS
Article about Kris translated by Google Translator so sorry if its not perfect.
Source: http://sport.ca.msn.com/chroniques/kris-letang-parmi-l%e2%80%99%c3%a9lite
Kris Letang among the elite
Quebecers Kristopher Letang and Marc-Andre Fleury are with Jordan Staal, the Penguins' best players since the start of the season. But it is especially Kris Letang I want to talk, as it could, in my opinion, win this season as one of the five best defensemen in the NHL.
Letang has become over the years the heart of the Penguins' defense, and part of more and more of his attack.
It is currently used 25 to 30 minutes per game, including, of course-handed and power play. Long ago he did forget the veteran Sergei Gonchar.
It dominates temporarily NHL scorers with a goal and five assists, two of his passes have been made during the game against the Canucks. Moreover, he himself tipped the scales in favor of the Penguins by scoring the decisive goal in a shootout.
So he knows a very strong start to the season and have come to know Kristopher, I can tell you that beyond his natural talent, the success he achieved since the beginning of his career is not the result of chance, because it meets its target to successfully climb his game and physical abilities of a check every year, not at all feel that they have capped at only 24 years.
For several years, he trained the summer with Pierre Allard, now conditioning coach in the Montreal Canadiens and with whom he had a really tangible results which allowed to rise among the elite of the NHL.
But this summer, Kris wanted to try something new for the summer physical training and he said rather have used the services of coach Georges St-Pierre, the champion of mixed martial arts.
I think all he lost Kris to become a possible candidate for the Norris Trophy meet Chara, Shea Weber, Lidstrom and company, it's more media recognition throughout the league. In cities where the Penguins arrive, they are often as Crosby and Malkin.
Among the defenders, the ultimate recognition often come with points. The possible return of two offensive stars will allow to collect even more points to his record, he took seventh among defensemen in the league with eight goals and two assists forty (50 pts). With partners as prolific as Malkin and Crosby, Kristopher Letang could also very well end the year at the top of the markers in the defenders.http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3424353744593562882I am so impressed with the progress of Kris Letang since he was selected in the third round by the Penguins, I told myself that there was a long time that Quebec was not a supporter of this product class for the NHL.
I also know that even if it is still far in the minds of many and that the presence of pros in the NHL is not yet confirmed, he would undoubtedly emerge as a logical choice in the minds of those who choose which eventually will be part of the team that will represent Canada at the Games in Sochi in 2014, or at an alternative like a World Cup.
In the meantime, a third participation in the Stanley Cup final as provided for EA Sports NHL Penguins with his 2012 would no doubt the kind of event to strengthen its image as a winner.
Kris Letang among the elite
Quebecers Kristopher Letang and Marc-Andre Fleury are with Jordan Staal, the Penguins' best players since the start of the season. But it is especially Kris Letang I want to talk, as it could, in my opinion, win this season as one of the five best defensemen in the NHL.
Letang has become over the years the heart of the Penguins' defense, and part of more and more of his attack.
It is currently used 25 to 30 minutes per game, including, of course-handed and power play. Long ago he did forget the veteran Sergei Gonchar.
It dominates temporarily NHL scorers with a goal and five assists, two of his passes have been made during the game against the Canucks. Moreover, he himself tipped the scales in favor of the Penguins by scoring the decisive goal in a shootout.
So he knows a very strong start to the season and have come to know Kristopher, I can tell you that beyond his natural talent, the success he achieved since the beginning of his career is not the result of chance, because it meets its target to successfully climb his game and physical abilities of a check every year, not at all feel that they have capped at only 24 years.
For several years, he trained the summer with Pierre Allard, now conditioning coach in the Montreal Canadiens and with whom he had a really tangible results which allowed to rise among the elite of the NHL.
But this summer, Kris wanted to try something new for the summer physical training and he said rather have used the services of coach Georges St-Pierre, the champion of mixed martial arts.
I think all he lost Kris to become a possible candidate for the Norris Trophy meet Chara, Shea Weber, Lidstrom and company, it's more media recognition throughout the league. In cities where the Penguins arrive, they are often as Crosby and Malkin.
Among the defenders, the ultimate recognition often come with points. The possible return of two offensive stars will allow to collect even more points to his record, he took seventh among defensemen in the league with eight goals and two assists forty (50 pts). With partners as prolific as Malkin and Crosby, Kristopher Letang could also very well end the year at the top of the markers in the defenders.http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3424353744593562882I am so impressed with the progress of Kris Letang since he was selected in the third round by the Penguins, I told myself that there was a long time that Quebec was not a supporter of this product class for the NHL.
I also know that even if it is still far in the minds of many and that the presence of pros in the NHL is not yet confirmed, he would undoubtedly emerge as a logical choice in the minds of those who choose which eventually will be part of the team that will represent Canada at the Games in Sochi in 2014, or at an alternative like a World Cup.
In the meantime, a third participation in the Stanley Cup final as provided for EA Sports NHL Penguins with his 2012 would no doubt the kind of event to strengthen its image as a winner.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Kris at Pens practice on 10-11-11
Letang and asst coach Reirden discuss Keynesian economics.
(Comment from the Penguins website) LOL
From the Official Pens website today 10-11-11
When the Pens huddle for their drill instructions they have a little ritual. HC Bylsma will blow the whistle and the players converge to where he is stationed. The last player to arrive has to skate a lap around the ice (goalies are excluded). Today's victim was Kris Letang.
Letang skates so fast that he turns into a blur like the Flash (left); Letang returns and gives his team a spray tan (right)
Letang skates so fast that he turns into a blur like the Flash (left); Letang returns and gives his team a spray tan (right)
Monday, October 10, 2011
Quote from Kris about the Pens/Oilers game on 10-9-11
“That’s pretty good when you think about facing three teams in their opening games,” defenseman Kris Letang said. “We wanted to finish with six points. We came up short tonight. We had our chance but overall we can keep our head up.”
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Audio interview with Kris (copy and paste link)
Hockey Night in Canada Radio
Sirius Radio: Kris Letang
Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman talks about shootouts.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockeynightincanadaradio/video/#id=2149797190
Sirius Radio: Kris Letang
Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman talks about shootouts.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockeynightincanadaradio/video/#id=2149797190
Friday, October 7, 2011
From the Pens Official Website
On Kris Letang playing the left side:
He’d be the other right-handed defender that’s going to play on the left side tonight. Someone has to go there if Brooks does not play. Kris has had the most experience and been the most comfortable there. It’s not a lot of experience, but it’s the most experience. He played there a little bit last year. He played there with Ben Lovejoylast year when Brooks was out at the end of the season, in a matchup situation a lot of times. So it’s not a ton of time, but he’s known here in training camp that’s a situation where he’d play on the left side a little bit. He’s practiced and gone through some reps. So it’s not a ton of experience, but Kris’ skating abilities allow him to probably be the best situation for us there.
He’d be the other right-handed defender that’s going to play on the left side tonight. Someone has to go there if Brooks does not play. Kris has had the most experience and been the most comfortable there. It’s not a lot of experience, but it’s the most experience. He played there a little bit last year. He played there with Ben Lovejoylast year when Brooks was out at the end of the season, in a matchup situation a lot of times. So it’s not a ton of time, but he’s known here in training camp that’s a situation where he’d play on the left side a little bit. He’s practiced and gone through some reps. So it’s not a ton of experience, but Kris’ skating abilities allow him to probably be the best situation for us there.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Kris is at the beginning of this video about making a GOOD hit !!!
Clean Hard Hits and Good Decision Plays
Cool new article about Letang
Source (Original article in French):
http://monhockey.com/blogues/letang_le_premier_depuis_bourque/15c2a25a
Nicklas Lidstrom, Shea Weber, Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith and Lubomir Visnovsky will be in the running for the Norris Trophy this season, but did not win. Who will they get the better? By Kristopher Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins!
If ever I see right, Letang becomes the first Quebecer to win the Norris for Ray Bourque with the Boston Bruins in 1993-1994.
Letang Why? Because it is now the general of the Penguins blue line.Because he will play more than 24 minutes per game. Because in the absence of Crosby, Malkin and Staal for 40 games each last season, he still collected 50 points. A total that would have been higher had he not slowed in the second half (2-12-14).
Letang, ninth among defensemen with 50 points in 2010-2011 (8-42) is able to do even better, he has only 24. Especially with the return to health of Evgeni Malkin, the presence on the day of a James Neal and the possible return of Sidney Crosby.
I would therefore anticipate a season of about 60 points … and Norris. In front of Duncan Keith, Blackhawks, and Drew Doughty, the Kings, my two finalists.
http://monhockey.com/blogues/letang_le_premier_depuis_bourque/15c2a25a
Nicklas Lidstrom, Shea Weber, Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith and Lubomir Visnovsky will be in the running for the Norris Trophy this season, but did not win. Who will they get the better? By Kristopher Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins!
If ever I see right, Letang becomes the first Quebecer to win the Norris for Ray Bourque with the Boston Bruins in 1993-1994.
Letang Why? Because it is now the general of the Penguins blue line.Because he will play more than 24 minutes per game. Because in the absence of Crosby, Malkin and Staal for 40 games each last season, he still collected 50 points. A total that would have been higher had he not slowed in the second half (2-12-14).
Letang, ninth among defensemen with 50 points in 2010-2011 (8-42) is able to do even better, he has only 24. Especially with the return to health of Evgeni Malkin, the presence on the day of a James Neal and the possible return of Sidney Crosby.
I would therefore anticipate a season of about 60 points … and Norris. In front of Duncan Keith, Blackhawks, and Drew Doughty, the Kings, my two finalists.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Cool new article about Kris
Penguins 2011-2012 Preview: Kris Letang, 24, is growing as a player and mentor
They aren't exactly clones, Kris Letang and Joseph Morrow.
Letang is 24, grew up speaking French and shoots right-handed.
Morrow is 18, has English as his first language and shoots left.
Pretty significant differences.
But they also have a lot more than just a position and an employer in common.
That is why Letang took it upon himself during the Penguins' training camp to serve as Morrow's mentor.
"When I look at him, I see myself," Letang said. "He's a smooth skater who likes to shoot, likes to join the play."
Letang's usual defense partner, Brooks Orpik, missed much of the preseason while dealing with the lingering effects of abdominal surgery, and Morrow often was plugged into Orpik's spot.
Those two meshed nicely -- that was most evident in a preseason game when they deftly executed a set play during a power-play faceoff, swapping sides of the ice during a sequence that culminated with Morrow hammering a Letang feed into the net -- and just might spend a lot of time together in coming seasons.
For Morrow, Letang's tutelage has been an invaluable asset. For Letang, it is mostly payback for how veterans helped him during his formative years.
But it also underscores how Letang, even at a relatively early stage in his pro career, is taking on more of a leadership role.
"There are many things I had to learn before I got to where I am right now," he said. "To have somebody who talks you and takes care of you [is important].
"Back in the day, it was [Sergei Gonchar], and Alain Nasreddine when I was at my first camp. There were tons of guys who talked to me. [Orpik] talked to me.
"I had a responsibility, and obviously I had a chance to play with [Morrow during the preseason]. I think it was important that I tell him the way we play and a few things that will be different at the NHL level.
"Obviously, I want to take more [of a role] in the room, be a bigger leader. But people don't really know me as a guy who talks a lot. I'm a guy who's going to go on the ice and be an example. But that's something I've tried to do a little more, talk to the young guys and try to maybe lead the way."
Work in progress
The pro career of Morrow, a first-round draft choice in June, is in its embryonic stages.
While Letang is much further along, he, too, remains a work-in-progress.
That was evident during the 2010-11 season, when Letang broke out during the first half, then all but broke down during the second.
By the time he had been voted as an All-Star Game starter, Letang had made himself a fixture in discussions about Norris Trophy candidates. By the time the Norris voting was conducted, he barely qualified as an afterthought on most ballots, finishing sixth.
Deservedly so, because he sputtered almost as much during the final months of the season as he had sparkled in the early ones.
Statistics can be misleading, but these numbers leave little room for interpretation: Letang had six goals, 30 assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-23 in his first 41 games, two goals, four assists and a minus-3 in his last 41.
"We certainly saw the best of Kris Letang, at this point of his career, in the first half of the year," said assistant coach Todd Reirden, who oversees the defense.
"We set out, at the start of the season, with some goals and by Christmas, he had surpassed some of those goals. Certainly the second half was not what we wanted to have from him."
Letang, though, insists his second half was not a write-off, even though his offensive output dipped precipitously.
"I didn't have the best end of the season, but I think I still improved things in my zone," he said. "We played a lot of one-goal games, and I think I played in a lot of six-on-five or five-on-six [situations] at the end of the game. I still learned a lot of things.
"On the offensive side, I was trying to do too much. That's why I wasn't getting the points I was getting [earlier]. But on the defensive side, I was improving my game."
That's not necessarily exactly how Reirden saw it.
"With Kris, it's not always getting caught up in the numbers offensively," he said. "It's about his ability to defend and play within our structure, and that's something he was able to do a little bit better in the first half of the year than at the end."
Full season challenge
The Penguins' seven-game loss to Tampa Bay in Round 1 of the playoffs was a searing disappointment for Letang and his teammates.
At the same time, after going to two Stanley Cup finals and the second round in the previous three seasons, being finished by May came with a minor consolation prize.
For while no team craves early elimination -- the whole idea, after all, is to win as much as possible -- an extended break allows more time for extra rest and workouts, and Letang believes those will be reflected in his game this fall.
"I had a long offseason," he said. "I had time to get back in shape, and I trained really hard to be able to spend a good amount of time on the ice.
"Quality minutes, instead of ... sometimes, you see guys who play 30 minutes a game, but in those 30 minutes, sometimes they're coasting.
"I want to give my 100 percent the whole shift. I don't want to do any coasting. I trained this summer to be able to go at a full pace for the full amount of time I spend on the ice."
Do that for 82 games while performing at the level he routinely reached in the first half of 2010-11, and Letang likely will find himself in another All-Star Game. And another round of Norris conversations.
That's a lot to expect of a player his age, at that position, but Letang has proven capable of exceeding the most grandiose expectations. At least for a while.
"He's a player who's young, in terms of the responsibilities we expect from him on a top team in the league," Reirden said. "We're still in the middle of a process here.
"If we look at how things are trending, in terms of his career, we're trending in the right direction. There definitely is the possibility of both the player and our staff to put him in position to grow."
"The first half of the year definitely warranted the praise and recognition he was getting around the league. Now, the challenge is to try to get that for a full season."
Source:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11276/1179397-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml
They aren't exactly clones, Kris Letang and Joseph Morrow.
Letang is 24, grew up speaking French and shoots right-handed.
Morrow is 18, has English as his first language and shoots left.
Pretty significant differences.
But they also have a lot more than just a position and an employer in common.
That is why Letang took it upon himself during the Penguins' training camp to serve as Morrow's mentor.
"When I look at him, I see myself," Letang said. "He's a smooth skater who likes to shoot, likes to join the play."
Letang's usual defense partner, Brooks Orpik, missed much of the preseason while dealing with the lingering effects of abdominal surgery, and Morrow often was plugged into Orpik's spot.
Those two meshed nicely -- that was most evident in a preseason game when they deftly executed a set play during a power-play faceoff, swapping sides of the ice during a sequence that culminated with Morrow hammering a Letang feed into the net -- and just might spend a lot of time together in coming seasons.
For Morrow, Letang's tutelage has been an invaluable asset. For Letang, it is mostly payback for how veterans helped him during his formative years.
But it also underscores how Letang, even at a relatively early stage in his pro career, is taking on more of a leadership role.
"There are many things I had to learn before I got to where I am right now," he said. "To have somebody who talks you and takes care of you [is important].
"Back in the day, it was [Sergei Gonchar], and Alain Nasreddine when I was at my first camp. There were tons of guys who talked to me. [Orpik] talked to me.
"I had a responsibility, and obviously I had a chance to play with [Morrow during the preseason]. I think it was important that I tell him the way we play and a few things that will be different at the NHL level.
"Obviously, I want to take more [of a role] in the room, be a bigger leader. But people don't really know me as a guy who talks a lot. I'm a guy who's going to go on the ice and be an example. But that's something I've tried to do a little more, talk to the young guys and try to maybe lead the way."
Work in progress
The pro career of Morrow, a first-round draft choice in June, is in its embryonic stages.
While Letang is much further along, he, too, remains a work-in-progress.
That was evident during the 2010-11 season, when Letang broke out during the first half, then all but broke down during the second.
By the time he had been voted as an All-Star Game starter, Letang had made himself a fixture in discussions about Norris Trophy candidates. By the time the Norris voting was conducted, he barely qualified as an afterthought on most ballots, finishing sixth.
Deservedly so, because he sputtered almost as much during the final months of the season as he had sparkled in the early ones.
Statistics can be misleading, but these numbers leave little room for interpretation: Letang had six goals, 30 assists and a plus-minus rating of plus-23 in his first 41 games, two goals, four assists and a minus-3 in his last 41.
"We certainly saw the best of Kris Letang, at this point of his career, in the first half of the year," said assistant coach Todd Reirden, who oversees the defense.
"We set out, at the start of the season, with some goals and by Christmas, he had surpassed some of those goals. Certainly the second half was not what we wanted to have from him."
Letang, though, insists his second half was not a write-off, even though his offensive output dipped precipitously.
"I didn't have the best end of the season, but I think I still improved things in my zone," he said. "We played a lot of one-goal games, and I think I played in a lot of six-on-five or five-on-six [situations] at the end of the game. I still learned a lot of things.
"On the offensive side, I was trying to do too much. That's why I wasn't getting the points I was getting [earlier]. But on the defensive side, I was improving my game."
That's not necessarily exactly how Reirden saw it.
"With Kris, it's not always getting caught up in the numbers offensively," he said. "It's about his ability to defend and play within our structure, and that's something he was able to do a little bit better in the first half of the year than at the end."
Full season challenge
The Penguins' seven-game loss to Tampa Bay in Round 1 of the playoffs was a searing disappointment for Letang and his teammates.
At the same time, after going to two Stanley Cup finals and the second round in the previous three seasons, being finished by May came with a minor consolation prize.
For while no team craves early elimination -- the whole idea, after all, is to win as much as possible -- an extended break allows more time for extra rest and workouts, and Letang believes those will be reflected in his game this fall.
"I had a long offseason," he said. "I had time to get back in shape, and I trained really hard to be able to spend a good amount of time on the ice.
"Quality minutes, instead of ... sometimes, you see guys who play 30 minutes a game, but in those 30 minutes, sometimes they're coasting.
"I want to give my 100 percent the whole shift. I don't want to do any coasting. I trained this summer to be able to go at a full pace for the full amount of time I spend on the ice."
Do that for 82 games while performing at the level he routinely reached in the first half of 2010-11, and Letang likely will find himself in another All-Star Game. And another round of Norris conversations.
That's a lot to expect of a player his age, at that position, but Letang has proven capable of exceeding the most grandiose expectations. At least for a while.
"He's a player who's young, in terms of the responsibilities we expect from him on a top team in the league," Reirden said. "We're still in the middle of a process here.
"If we look at how things are trending, in terms of his career, we're trending in the right direction. There definitely is the possibility of both the player and our staff to put him in position to grow."
"The first half of the year definitely warranted the praise and recognition he was getting around the league. Now, the challenge is to try to get that for a full season."
Source:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11276/1179397-61.stm?cmpid=sports.xml
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
