Monday, February 8, 2010
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.”
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.”
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
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
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
Monday, February 1, 2010
Second Star of the Night
Kris was the second star of tonight's game against the Sabers with 2 assists!!!!
GO TANGER GO!!!!!!!!!
GO TANGER GO!!!!!!!!!
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