Kris Letang figures to benefit with healthy cast

Source: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=38259#.TnoTbhaITUc.twitter


Kris Letang has a smile on his face. Evgeni Malkin is back and Sidney Crosby appears to be making significant strides in his recovery from concussion.

Letang was a monster with Malkin in the lineup and even moreso with a healthy Sid. At one point, Letang and Dustin Byfuglien were pretty much the frontrunners for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the best all-around defensive player. The Pens defender scored seven goals and 40 points in 45 games through Jan. 12, only to slump to 10 points (1 G, 9 A) in his final 37 contests.

ESPN fantasy hockey writer, Victoria Matash, must’ve used her crystal ball back in early April, ranking Letang first among the top 75 defensemen for the upcoming 2011-12 campaign. You can view her rankings here.

Penguins coach Dan Bylsma has promised change on the team’s power play. If anyone figures to benefit from these changes, it figures to be Letang.