2023-11-17 21:08:00
Kristopher Letang may be just one point off the 700 mark, but that doesn’t stop him from enjoying a more defensive role this season.
With the arrival of Erik Karlsson in Pittsburgh, the Penguins asked the 36-year-old Quebecer to focus even more on the defensive aspect of his game. His willingness to respond to this request is highly appreciated by his coaches and teammates. , cited Friday by journalist Michelle Crechiolo from Penguins Inside Scoop.
“I think Tanger did an excellent job assuming the role we wanted to give him,” said Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan. I think he’s a very unselfish player and a great teammate with the way he handled the circumstances.
“We asked him to help us in a more defensive role, while still bringing the offense he brings at 5-on-5 and on one of our power play waves. I think he handled this with incredible professionalism. »
Letang had to adjust by moving from the first power play unit to the second and from the second penalty kill unit to the first, but he assures that his “state of mind is the same as usual” . He appreciates the benefits for the Penguins of having a second offensive defenseman, for example with the possibility of using two pairs alternating when the team is trailing late in the game.
Because Letang remains a defender capable of supporting the attack: he has one goal and seven assists for a total of eight points in 15 games since the start of the season, the second best harvest by a Penguins defender behind Karlsson. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby does not hesitate to describe his ability to thread the needle as “very good”, as he did to beat the Sharks’ Mackenzie Blackwood on November 4 with his first goal of the season.
“Especially for a defenseman,” Crosby said. He has made several great plays over the years. His legs allow him to join plays and create offense. He knows how to find himself in the right places. »
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