News:Kris Letang followed up a four-assist Wednesday with a goal and two helpers Friday night.
Analysis: With 16 points in the playoffs, Kris Letang (3G, 13A) trails David Krejci by one point for the overall league-lead in scoring. Nine of his points, including two goals and seven assists, have come on the power play. The Penguins have won their first two series in six and five games, respectively. Those numbers are good for Pittsburgh but fantasy owners would probably like to wring a few more games (and points) from the offensive juggernaut.
News:Kris Letang racked up four assists in Wednesday's Game 4 win over the Senators.
Analysis:Kris Letang was on the ice for both the Senators' first period goals, but ended the night with four points after the Pens exploded for six goals in the final two periods.
News:Kris Letang will be in the lineup Friday against the Senators.
Analysis:Kris Letang missed Friday's morning skate, but it doesn't sound as though any sort of injury is at play here. He'll be part of his usual pairing with Matt Niskanen.
News:Kris Letang notched a power-play goal and tallied an assist Thursday against the Islanders.
Analysis: His wrister beat Evgeni Nabokov over his stick and forced the Islanders into making a goaltending change. Kris Letang's vision set up Pittsburgh's first score. From his own end, the defender spotted Tyler Kennedy waiting at New York's blue line and sprung him on a breakaway. Letang led Pittsburgh skaters with 24:21 and has five points (1G, 4A) in five playoff games.
News:Kris Letang (illness) returns to the lineup Tuesday against Buffalo, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: The Norris Trophy candidate missing Monday's game due to food poisoning. Kris Letang has scored two goals and six points in his last four contests.
News:Kris Letang is out Monday night against the Senators due to illness.
Analysis: Fantasy poolies will need to look elsewhere for points from the blue line on Monday. With 34 points in 32 games, Kris Letang is the only top defender to average more than a point per contest.
News: There are indications Kris Letang (illness) may not have traveled with the team to Ottawa for Monday's game, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: The Penguins have little reason to push players with the top playoff spot in the East sealed up. Kris Letang has a four-game point streak (2G, 4A) and will likely see action in at least two games scheduled for later in the week.
News:Kris Letang is questionable for Monday's game against Ottawa due to an illness, Ian Mendes of Sportsnet East reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang is a game-time decision for Monday's game, so make sure to check back closer to the opening face-off to confirm his status.
News:Kris Letang scored his fifth goal of the season during Saturday's 3-2 win over the Bruins.
Analysis:Kris Letang doesn't seem to be bothered by the toe injury that kept him out for two weeks at the beginning of April. He has two goals and four assists in four games since returning to the lineup. He also scored 13 points (all assists) in 10 games during March.
News:Kris Letang saw nearly 29 minutes (28:55) of action Wednesday, tallying three assists against the Canadiens.
Analysis: A scoring change Thursday morning gave Kris Letang a third point, a power-play assist. He sits three points behind PK Subban (36 to 33, respectively) as the race for the Norris Trophy figures to go down to the wire. Letang now has seven assists in his last three games against Subban and the Canadiens.
News:Kris Letang tallied a power-play assist, finished plus-1 and saw more than 23 minutes of action Thursday in his first game since March 26.
Analysis: The Pittsburgh defender didn't miss a beat, nailing two Lightning forwards with a single check, and then deftly keeping the puck in the Tampa Bay zone during a third-period power play. Perhaps more importantly, Kris Letang finished the game with no apparent recurrence of a toe injury.
News:Kris Letang (toe) will play Thursday against the Lightning.
Analysis:Kris Letang, who last suited up back on March 26, checks back into the Pittsburgh lineup with a fantasy-friendly 28 points and a plus-11 rating in 28 games to date. Make sure he's active immediately, a big finish for the defender could earn him serious Norris Trophy consideration.
News:Kris Letang (toe) appears to be nearing a return to action, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports. "I feel fine. It's good to be back practicing," noted Letang, who participated in Tuesday's morning skate. "I want to make sure I'm 100 percent."
Analysis: The Penguins next play in Tampa on Thursday and then at Florida on Saturday, with Kris Letang indicating that he could return for one of those games if he "feels comfortable."
News:Kris Letang (toe) will not play Tuesday against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: On the plus side, Kris Letang was out there for Tuesday's morning skate, an indication that he continues to inch toward a return to game action.
News:Kris Letang (toe) practiced Monday, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang has missed the team's past five games with a toe injury. He did not provide a timetable for when he expects to return, and will take each day one day at a time.
Penguins' Letang Dealing With Sore Groin In Addition To Toe
News:Kris Letang is dealing with a sore groin in addition to his broken toe, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis: A groin injury caused Kris Letang to miss a few games in March, and then he broke his toe in his first game back on the ice. Now, it sounds like the groin has flared up again and may be more of a problem than the toe. Letang is generally expected to return sometime during the upcoming week, though it does not sound like a guarantee.
News:Kris Letang (broken toe) skated on his own Friday but did not take part in the Pens' game-day skate, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Pens coach Dan Bylsma didn't rule him out for Friday, but the fact that he didn't skate with the team is not a positive sign. Most likely, the Pittsburgh defender will return Tuesday in Carolina, barring any setbacks.
News:Kris Letang (broken toe) has skated multiple times this week and could be nearing a return, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang received a 7-10 day timetable a little over a week ago, so he should be nearing a return. In addition to the broken toe, he is dealing with a sore groin that may be hampering his recovery a bit. In any case, he should be back in the lineup within the next week or so, barring any setbacks.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) is looking at at a 7-10 day absence according to coach Dan Bylsma.
Analysis:Kris Letang, who is back on IR, reportedly sustained a broken toe Tuesday against Montreal in his first game back from an unrelated lower body issue.
News: The Penguins placed Kris Letang on IR with a lower-body injury Wednesday.
Analysis: It's rumored that he broke a toe and re-injured his groin Tuesday night against the Canadiens. The team recalled defenseman Simon Despres in a corresponding move.
News:Kris Letang reportedly suffered a broken toe Tuesday against the Canadiens, NHL.com reports
Analysis: More on Kris Letang's status as soon as possible, but it's a tough bounce for the blueliner, who had just returned to the Penguins' lineup Tuesday.
News:Kris Letang (groin) has been activated from IR by the Penguins.
Analysis: Meanwhile, the Penguins have sent fellow defenseman Simon Despres to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, so it looks like Kris Letang should be a go Tuesday night against the Canadiens.
News:Kris Letang (groin) will play Tuesday against Montreal.
Analysis:Kris Letang came off IR earlier in the day, and it's safe for fantasy owners to deploy him now that his status for Tuesday's game has been confirmed.
News:Kris Letang (groin) is close to a return, PensInsideScoop reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang's status for Tuesday's game against Montreal is uncertain, but at this point he has yet to be ruled out for the contest.
Pens' Letang Placed On IR, But Considered Day-To-Day
News: The Penguins placed Kris Letang (groin) on injured reserve Monday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis:Kris Letang skated with the team Tuesday morning, but did not take part in all of the drills. He's considered day-to-day and could return in the near future, though his technical IR designation might allow you a roster move, depending on your league rules.
News:Kris Letang (groin) will not play Sunday against the Flyers, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang, who will miss his third straight game, was out on the ice Sunday morning, so he presumably remains in the day-to-day category.
News:Kris Letang (groin) will not play Friday against the Islanders.
Analysis:Kris Letang remains day-to-day as Sunday's game against Philadelphia approaches.
Pens' Letang Skates But Misses Another Practice Thursday
News:Kris Letang (groin) skated Thursday but didn't take part in practice for the Pens.
Analysis: Pittsburgh will likely play it safe Friday and rest their top defender. The team plays Sunday at home against Philadelphia. That game appears to be a better possibility for Kris Letang.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) did not practice with his teammates Wednesday, but he skated on his own prior to the session and is considered day-to-day.
Analysis:Kris Letang has been dealing with his injury for a few days, but head Coach Dan Bylsma said Letang may be able to resume practicing Thursday. Consider Letang questionable for the Penguins' next game Friday.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) will not play Tuesday against the Capitals.
Analysis:Kris Letang didn't skate Tuesday. The team practiced with Matt Niskanen at the point for power plays Tuesday morning. Letang reportedly suffered a re-injury of an ailment that nagged him earlier in the season, likely a groin pull.
News:Kris Letang is dealing with a lower-body injury, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Earlier reports had speculated that it may have been a hand/wrist/forearm type of issue for Kris Letang, but either way, the blueliner won't return to Sunday's game against the Bruins.
News: Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette speculates that Kris Letang may have been injured Sunday by a slash to his left hand, wrist or forearm.
Analysis: We'll await further details, but the lack of an official update from the Penguins thus far is a tad troubling.
News:Kris Letang (unspecified issue) was not out there to start the second period of Sunday's game against the Bruins.
Analysis: So far there's no official word on what's ailing Kris Letang, but we'll relay an update on his status once it is available.
News:Kris Letang tallied his seventh power-play assist Saturday, giving him 28 points (3G, 25A) in 26 contests.
Analysis: No other defender had more than 21 points, prior to Saturday. Kris Letang is playing his best hockey of the year at both ends of the rink right now and has 13 assists in eight March games, too. He is 0-for-28 on shots during that span and has only three goals to his name, but fantasy owners have to be pleased with his point-per-game pace.
News:Kris Letang, who tallied two assists and played over 30 minutes (30:23) against the Maple Leafs on Saturday, leads NHL defensemen with 24 points (3G, 21A) in 22 games.
Analysis: He's five points ahead of Kevin Shattenkirk and figures to have an excellent chance of leading defenders in scoring if he can stay healthy. That said, Kris Letang has only six power-play points as Paul Martin has cut into his time on the man advantage.
News:Kris Letang led all Penguins with just under four minutes on the man advantage (3:53) and added an assist Friday against Winnipeg.
Analysis:Kris Letang's power-play time was down in his first game back from a groin injury Wednesday, but he resumed his yeomans' work-load Friday. The Pittsburgh blueliner has three goals and 10 points in 12 games. His path to a potential Norris Trophy also got a bit easier with the unfortunate injury to Erik Karlsson.
News:Kris Letang saw 27:33 in his return to the ice Wednesday, going pointless in a 4-2 win over Ottawa.
Analysis: Although he saw his four-game point streak (2G, 2A) come to a close, he's got to be happy about skating after a three-game absence. The Pens kept his power-play time down, giving Paul Martin more time on the man advantage, 7:31 to 4:41, respectively. Coach Dan Bylsma has been pleased with Martin's work in the last few games, but Kris Letang figures to regain top billing in time, given his offensive prowess. In any case, it seems safe to activate Letang if you haven't already.
News:Kris Letang (groin) will play against the Senators on Wednesday.
Analysis: The Pens' top offensive defenseman missed the last three games with a groin injury. Kris Letang has three goals and nine points in 10 games.
News:Kris Letang will play Wednesday against the Senators.
Analysis: After missing three games with a lower body injury, Kris Letang will return to the lineup to face Ottawa. The 25-year-old blueliner posted nine points (3G, 6A) is his first 10 games of the season, and while his minutes may be scaled back a bit in his return, Letang will likely see a pretty fair amount of ice time.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) has been activated off IR by the Penguins, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: We'll have to see if Kris Letang suits up Wednesday against the Senators, but the blueliner has indicated that he's ready to go and the call is now in coach Dan Bylsma's hands.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against the Senators.
Analysis:Kris Letang noted Wednesday that he's feeling pretty good, so his status for Wednesday's tilt boils down to coach Dan Bylsma's call.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) returned to practice Tuesday and could be back in the lineup Wednesday against Ottawa.
Analysis: He's missed Pittsburgh's last three games. How he responds to Tuesday's practice and Wednesday's morning skate will likely determine his status for the Sens game. So far, things are looking good.
News:Kris Letang (lower-body) was placed on injured reserve Sunday, retroactive to Tuesday, Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang will miss a third consecutive game Sunday, and while he'll be eligible to return for Wednesday's tilt, it's uncertain if he'll be ready by then. The unspecified injury is likely a groin issue, but the Penguins have only classified the ailment as a "lower-body" injury.
News:Kris Letang (undisclosed) did not travel with the team for Saturday's game against the Devils, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang's set to miss a second straight game with the injury he suffered in practice Thursday. The team hasn't said what's ailing him, so it's uncertain whether Letang will be able to go Sunday.
Pens' Letang (Undisclosed) Misses Friday's Practice
News:Kris Letang (undisclosed) did not practice Friday.
Analysis: After leaving Thursday's practice, Kris Letang did not play against the Capitals. It's uncertain what's ailing him, but at this point, his chances of playing Saturday don't look especially good.
News:Kris Letang was not on the ice for pre-game warmups before Thursday's game with Washington.
Analysis: He left the morning skate after practicing for about 20 minutes. We don't know the specifics of the injury, but it looks like he won't play against the Capitals.
News:Kris Letang (undisclosed issue) won't play Thursday against the Caps, Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis: More on Kris Letang's status as we know it, but evidently he sustained an injury during Tuesday's win over the Islanders.
News:Kris Letang left Thursday's practice early for an unspecified reason.
Analysis: Though coach Dan Bylsma apparently didn't elaborate, he did suggest that Kris Letang is a game-time decision for Thursday's contest against the Capitals.
News:Kris Letang contributed to Pittsburgh's win Sunday with a goal and an assist.
Analysis: He has four points (2G, 2A) in his last three games. Perhaps more importantly, his ice time seems to be watched carefully. On Sunday, he skated 19:57, a number less than fellow defensemen Paul Martin (27:41) or Brooks Orpik (28:11). Managed minutes could help keep the elite offensive defenseman fresh down the stretch, something that could put a smile on fantasy owners' faces.
News:Kris Letang skated a game-high 27:03 TOI on Saturday, finishing pointless with a plus-1 rating, three shots and two blocks.
Analysis: To think that he's already three points behind Erik Karlsson for the point lead among blueliners. Kris Letang saw nearly three minutes of time more than anyone else on the ice. He's been a little snakebit against Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, but will get another chance to get on the board Sunday in Madison Square Garden. His pairing with Matt Niskanen appeared to work fine after some discussion that Simon Despres would be his partner.
News:Kris Letang practiced as Pittsburgh's sole defenseman on the top power-play Monday, according to the Penguins' Web site. "Letang is the defender back there," coach Dan Bylsma said. "In that regard, I think we're better and a little bit different than last year. … Everybody has to be cognizant of situations where they have to be back and get back."
Analysis: He's likely the only Penguins' player to have his role defined on the man advantage. Kris Letang will hold down defensive responsibilities as the last man back, but is primed for a standout offensive season. His 42 points in 2011-12 came in only 51 games.
News:Kris Letang has agreed to play for SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Analysis:Kris Letang has spent the lockout working out and playing in Quebec and at the Penguins' practice facility. The timing of the announcement is odd, given the time sensitive nature of CBA talks, but Letang has always skated on his own sheet of ice.
News:Kris Letang is fully recovered from a hip injury which bothered him in the spring playoffs, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang took part in an informal practice with a dozen or so teammates Monday. "It's good now," Letang said. "I talked with doctors after the season. They told me to let me know how it felt during (summer) training. It feels good." The Penguins top fantasy blueliner is set for a big year as the point man on Pittsburgh's power-play unit. He scored 10 goals and 42 points in 51 games last year despite his ongoing hip and concussion issues.
News:Kris Letang has been bothered by a hip injury that could eventually require surgery, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang has been advised to simply rest his hip. The Penguins defenseman, who scored 10 goals and 42 points in 51 games, has not disclosed any of the particulars of his ailment.
News:Kris Letang was ejected from Sunday's game after a fight mid-way through the first period.
Analysis: Both he and Kimmo Timonen were booted after engaging in some serious hijinks after a previous scuffle had already been broken up. The Pens, who were already down 3-1, will suffer without their best defender and power-play maestro. But those of you who count PIMs in your playoff league gain a surprising 17 minutes.
News:Kris Letang, who missed 31 regular-season games due to various injuries, enters Wednesday's playoff tilt rested after a three-day break in the schedule.
Analysis:Kris Letang has suffered at least one concussion, a broken nose and various other ailments in 2011-12. His ability to stay healthy will go a long way toward determining the Pens' chances of hoisting the Stanley Cup. Letang, who tallied three assists and a plus-5 rating in four games against the Flyers in the regular season, collected 42 points in 51 contests.
News:Kris Letang had an assist and skated a team-high 22:31 in Saturday's win over the Flyers.
Analysis: The Montreal native ends the regular season with 42 points in just 51 games and likely would have garnered Norris Trophy discussion if not for his concussion issues.
News:Kris Letang scored his 10th goal of the year into an empty net and also assisted on Chris Kunitz's first-period goal in Thursday's win over the Rangers.
Analysis: This is Kris Letang's second time reaching double-digit goals, and the two points lifted him over 40 for the second straight year. With 41 points in 50 games, just imagine what Letang could have done this year were his season not shortened by injuries.
News:Kris Letang posted three assists in Tuesday's win over Boston, his first points since missing three games with a lower-body injury.
Analysis: Had Kris Letang managed to stay healthy all season, he likely would have seen his name directly behind Erik Karlsson's on the defensemen scoring list. Letang has an impressive 39 points in 49 games and should be a big factor in playoff pools if you believe the Penguins will advance several rounds.
News:Kris Letang practiced on the Pens' top power-play unit during Tuesday's game-day skate, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang has 36 points in 48 games and needs one goal to match his career high of 10.
News:Kris Letang returned Sunday against the Flyers on Sunday after missing time with a lower-body injury.
Analysis:Kris Letang was held off the scoreboard but made it through the game unscathed. Pittsburgh went with a five-forward power-play unit that kept Letang on the bench until the third period, but looked much better when the defenseman took one of the points on the man advantage.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) will play against the Flyers on Sunday, the Penguins' official site reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang is slated to sake on the Pens' top blue line pairing, along with Paul Martin on Sunday.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) is a game-time decision for Sunday's game against Philadelphia, according to Pens Inside Scoop.
Analysis:Kris Letang last suited up on March 25, but he's obviously close to a return, given his game-time status for Sunday.
News: With Pittsburgh returning Simon Despres to the AHL on Saturday, it seems as though there's a decent chance the Pens might activate Kris Letang (lower body) for Sunday's tilt against Philadelphia.
Analysis: One of the NHL's premier defensemen, Kris Letang has scored nine goals and 36 points in 47 games. He had two assists the last time he suited up against the Flyers and has 21 points in 22 home games. He could put a smile on fantasy owners faces.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) will not play Friday night in Buffalo.
Analysis:Kris Letang, who did not travel with the team for its two-game road trip, took a fall behind the net in suffering his lower-body injury. The Penguins have yet to specify his ailment, saying only that it is a short-term concern.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) will not travel with the Penguins for Thursday and Friday's road games against the Islanders and Sabres, the Penguins' Twitter Feed reports.
Analysis: It looks like the earliest we'll see Kris Letang back in the Pittsburgh lineup is Sunday at home against the Flyers.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) missed practice Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday's game, the Penguins' Twitter Feed reports.
Analysis: Fantasy owners might have to bench the star defenseman once again Thursday on Long Island, but we'll wait and see. Pittsburgh plays three times in four days starting Thursday. At least Kris Letang isn't suffering from another concussion.
News:Kris Letang (lower body) will miss Tuesday's game against the Islanders, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writer Dejan Kovacevic reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang's injury is believed to be minor, but his owners need to find a replacement for Tuesday.
News:Kris Letang tallied two assists and finished with a plus-2 rating Thursday.
Analysis: He appeared to be in serious pain after a Martin Erat cross-check, but the Norris-caliber defenseman stayed in the game.
News:Kris Letang endured a hard check by New Jersey's Eric Boulton on Saturday but did not miss a shift.
Analysis: The Penguins haven't said anything about Kris Letang's status for Sunday so we'll assume he's a go. Still, a player coming off two bouts of concussion-like symptoms doesn't need a third. After compiling an assist and a plus-5 rating Thursday, the Pittsburgh defender was pointless and even against the Devils. He was credited with six shots, however, and led the Pens in ice time for the second straight game (22:34) since returning.
Pens' Letang Shops In Plus-Size Department Thursday
News:Kris Letang collected an assist and finished plus-5 against the Rangers on Thursday.
Analysis: He led Penguins skaters with more than 24 minutes (24:22 TOI) in his first game since Feb. 29. Kris Letang provides Pittsburgh with an offensive weapon on the blue line that few teams can match.
News:Kris Letang (head) will play Thursday against the Rangers, according to the Penguins' Twitter Feed.
Analysis:Kris Letang, who has nine goals and 31 points in 40 contests, hasn't played since Feb. 29. His presence on the blue line, along with the return of some guy named Sid, should make for a memorable night at Madison Square Garden. Activate Letang for the game.
News:Kris Letang (head) might come back Thursday, but if he doesn't then a weekend comeback appears likely, according to the Penguins' Web site.
Analysis: Pittsburgh plays Saturday and Sunday before beginning a four-game week Tuesday. Some believe that Kris Letang's return is even more important than Sidney Crosby's: the Pens haven't scored a 5-on-4 power-play goal since Letang played his last game (on February 29).
News:Kris Letang (head) practiced Tuesday and is expected to practice again Wednesday, Penguins.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: It's not clear how close Kris Letang might be to returning, but he's officially considered day-to-day for now.
News:Kris Letang, who has been sidelined with what could be his second concussion, took part in Saturday's skate in Southpointe, according to the Tribune-Review.
Analysis: The Penguins actually haven't confirmed that it is a concussion, but he reported headaches for a few days after he took a hit to the head from Dallas' Eric Nystrom on February 29. He has already missed four games and though the Saturday skate was encouraging, he will not play Sunday and is still considered day-to-day.
News:Kris Letang is suffering from concussion symptoms and will be reevaluated back in Pittsburgh. He will not play Saturday, the Penguins' Twitter Feed reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang already missed 21 games with one concussion. It's possible he's suffering as much from whiplash as anything else as the heavy impact of the check was to Letang's right shoulder.
News: Coach Dan Bylsma calls Kris Letang day-to-day with an upper body injury, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang, who missed time earlier this season due to a concussion, took a nasty shot to the head Wednesday, so while the Penguins aren't calling his issue a concussion officially, it's easy enough to speculate that it could be.
News:Kris Letang left in the first period of Wednesday's contest after taking a hit to the head. He did not return.
Analysis:Kris Letang missed nearly two months with a concussion from November to January. We'll await official word, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Pittsburgh's top blueliner miss time due to the Eric Nystrom check.
News:Kris Letang scored a goal, the game-winner, and added two assists Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Analysis:Kris Letang has scored three points in two straight games, and now has 29 points in 33 games. When healthy, Letang is one of the higher scoring blueliners in the league.
News:Kris Letang snapped a six-game scoreless streak with two goals and an assist in an 8-5 win over the Jets on Saturday.
Analysis: It was just a matter of time before the Pittsburgh blueliner, who also helped fantasy owners with a plus-3 rating, turned his mini-slump around.
News:Kris Letang hasn't picked up a point in his last six games and holds a minus-5 rating over that period.
Analysis: There's nothing to suggest he's playing hurt. Kris Letang continues to see more ice than any other Pittsburgh defender. If anything, the one-time shootout extraordinaire could work on his breakaway moves. Letang has missed on 16 of his last 18 shootout attempts. Letang might be ice cold right now -- especially in shootouts, but look for him to pick up points over the weekend agains Winnipeg and Tampa Bay.
News:Kris Letang scored his fourth goal and tallied an assist Friday night against Montreal.
Analysis: The Pens' top defenseman now has 22 points (4,18) in 23 games. He played more than 28 minutes (28:14) and his extended absence could keep him fresh down the stretch.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) tallied an assist, a plus-2 rating, three hits and two blocks shots Thursday night.
Analysis: Playing in his first game since November, the talented blueliner led all Pittsburgh skaters with 24:17 TOI. He even made a sprawling stick save to keep the Rangers from scoring a goal. After the game, Kris Letang said he felt fine and should be fine for the second of back-to-back games against Montreal on Friday.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) will play Thursday against the Rangers, the Penguins' official site reports.
Analysis: The slick Kris Letang, who racked up 19 points in 22 games prior to his injury, will be making his first appearance for the Penguins since Nov. 26.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) could return for Thursday's game against the Rangers, according to coach Dan Bylsma, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: "Kris Letang had his second full practice with the team," Bylsma said. "We'll see how he progresses and reacts as the week goes on. There's a chance for Kris (Thursday) night and the remaining games going into the break." Letang could pay immediate dividends to fantasy owners; make sure he's active right now.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) practiced Tuesday and could return to the lineup as soon as Thursday or Friday, the Penguins' website reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang has been ruled out for Tuesday, but is looking to get back on the ice. "The sooner the better," the Pittsburgh defender said. "I want to get ready for this week." Letang collected 19 points in 22 games before getting his bell rung by Montreal's Max Pacioretty in November. Be ready to activate him in the next couple days.
News: GM Ray Shero expects Kris Letang (concussion) back at practice Tuesday, according to 105.9 FM in Pittsburgh.
Analysis: "He's doing real well," Shero said. "We anticipate him back tomorrow (Tuesday). He had a hard skate with coach Bylsma today. I actually ran into Kris Letang at a Walgreen's yesterday, believe it or not. He should be back at practice tomorrow." Looks like Letang has taken his medicine and is good to go. He'll likely need several days or more of practice before jumping back into the lineup.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) worked out with conditioning coach, Mike Kadar prior to Monday's practice, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang will need a few practices before the team even considers activating him, but the fact that he exerted himself during puck-handling drills is a very good sign.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) skated alone before practice Friday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: There remains no timetable for a return to practice, but the news on Kris Letang is encouraging. The Pens and Letang's fantasy owners miss his offensive production from the blue line.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) has yet to begin skating but is making progress, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: "Kris Letang is doing pretty well right now," coach Dan Bylsma noted. "He's had light exercises and is on the road to rehab and recovery. In terms of concussions and treating them, everyone is different. Players' symptoms are different. We've treated each player with uniqueness. Kris has had some good days and light exercise. That's where Kris is at." Letang won't be back anytime soon, but at least he's progressing.
News: Coach Bylsma said Monday that he has "no update" regarding the status of Kris Letang (concussion), according to the Penguins' Web site.
Analysis:Kris Letang's recovery from concussion is complicated further by a broken nose and a history of migraine headaches. It doesn't appear as though the Penguins' best defenseman will return to the lineup anytime soon.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) has yet to resume skating and is unlikely to play in the coming week.
Analysis:Kris Letang continues to suffer from concussion symptoms after a hit by Montreal's Max Pacioretty on Nov. 26. Pacioretty has returned from the three-game suspension which resulted from his unpenalized hit, but Letang fantasy owners wait on a defenseman that averaged nearly a point per game (19 in 22) prior to getting hurt.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) is not close to returning and can be safely benched in weekly leagues.
Analysis: The Penguins will not offer updates on their prized defenseman until his status changes. Considering he's not taking part in team practices, it looks like he'll be out for at least another week.
News:Kris Letang (concussion) will not play Thursday in Philadelphia, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang is eligible to come off of IR the moment he feels better, but there's little reason to believe that will happen any time soon. He didn't practice Wednesday and his absence wasn't even mentioned on the team's website.
News: The Penguins have placed Kris Letang (concussion) on IR retroactive to Nov. 26, according to the Penguins' Web site.
Analysis:Kris Letang's situation remains cloudy, however, because the team said he was placed on IR in order to make room for a defensive call-up (Alexandre Picard). In other words, Letang has already sat out three games and is eligible to return from the IR whenever he feels better. Even so, it's hard seeing him come back without a couple days of practice. Pittsburgh is off until Thursday, but at this point it might be wise to bench Letang in weekly leagues. Coach Bylsma has said he's further away from returning than Zbynek Michalek, and Michalek won't play Monday against Boston.
News:Kris Letang has been diagnosed with a concussion, Penguins.NHL.com reports.
Analysis: It appears that the concussion test conducted by Pittsburgh over the weekend, which Kris Letang supposedly passed, was a bit off the mark. This news seems to indicate that Letang is all but certain to miss Monday's game against Boston, and his availability beyond that is also not a given.
News: Coach Dan Bylsma said that Kris Letang passed a concussion test Saturday but still feels concussion-like symptoms, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: While it sounds like good news for Kris Letang owners, the Pens coach said that fellow Zbynek Michalek has a better chance of playing Monday against Boston than does Letang. If Letang can't go Monday then the next chance he has of returning is Thursday in Philadelphia.
News: Pens coach Dan Bylsma all but ruled Kris Letang (head) out for Saturday's matchup in Carolina, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: Speaking after Friday's practice, Bylsma said that Kris Letang (and Zbynek Michalek) still need to see another doctor. "They'll be visiting the doctors," Bylsma said. "We'll maybe have a little more information (Saturday) about those after the business with the doctor." Bylsma said the team does not yet know whether Letang is suffering from a concussion. The star defender hasn't played since taking an illegal hit to the head Saturday by Montreal's Max Pacioretty.
News:Kris Letang has either food poisoning or a virus, in addition to a possible concussion and broken nose. Until he feels better he won't complete his concussion testing, Pens GM Ray Shero said on the Fan radio in Pittsburgh.
Analysis: He's already been ruled out for Thursday, but it looks like he could miss additional time, too. Shero gave no timetable, as the team won't know one until Kris Letang is able to undergo complete concussion testing.
News:Kris Letang (facial injuries) will not accompany the Pens to Washington for Thursday's game, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang is still battling the aftereffects of an illegal Max Pacioretty check from Saturday. His absence from the Pens' power play Tuesday was noticeable. The team has yet to release a timetable for his return, but he was able to skate with the team Monday and Tuesday.
News:Kris Letang (facial injuries) will not play against the Rangers on Tuesday, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis:Kris Letang left the team in New York and returned to Pittsburgh for further evaluation. He was able to take part in the team's gameday skate, but fantasy owners need to keep a close eye on the Pens' top blueliner. He may be suffering from the effects of a concussion.
News: The Penguins are calling Kris Letang (broken nose) questionable for Tuesday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis:Kris Letang will undergo concussion testing Tuesday, so there's no way to know if he'll play before that time. It wouldn't be surprising to see him sit Tuesday and return for Thursday and Saturday, but that's speculation at this point. He appeared to skate with ease during the final 20 minutes of Monday's skate, a good sign.
News:Kris Letang (nose) joined the Pens' practice Monday after missing the beginning of the session, Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis: This is further proof that he may not miss any additional game action after suffering the injury Saturday night and managing to return to score the game-winning goal in that contest.
News:Kris Letang (nose) was not on the ice for practice Monday, Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Analysis: For now, he's simply day-to-day, but that Kris Letang was able to pot the game-winning goal Saturday night after suffering the injury suggests he may not miss much (if any) game action with this ailment provided that there isn't an undisclosed issue (such as a concussion) in play here.
News:Kris Letang suffered a broken nose before netting an overtime game-winner Saturday against the Canadiens.
Analysis:Kris Letang was the recipient of a vicious blind hit just inside the Montreal blue line by Max Pacioretty with just over three minutes remaining in regulation. He returned in OT to net just his third goal of the season. Amazingly, the play was unpenalized but Letang left the ice to get nose work done. It wouldn't be surprising to see the elbow-to-head hit give Letang delayed concussion symptoms (or at least a bad headache), but for now he can revel in his big score.
News:Kris Letang picked up a power-play assist and finished plus-2 against the Islanders on Monday.
Analysis: Perhaps no Penguins player figures to benefit from Sidney Crosby's return as much as Kris Letang. Last year, the Pittsburgh defenseman collected 36 points in 41 games with Crosby in the lineup and just 14 in 41 contests without him.
News:Kris Letang potted his second goal of the season Tuesday.
Analysis: He scored a goal and an assist, giving him 16 points in 16 games -- including nine (1, 8) on the power play. Kris Letang's moved back to his natural right side on defense with the return of Brooks Orpik.
News:Kris Letang had a busy night Saturday against Los Angeles. He collected a power-play assist, sat out two minutes for roughing, and delivered seven hits as the Pens won in a shootout, 3-2.
Analysis: He's arguably the most valuable fantasy blueliner in the league right now, with 13 points in as many games, plus 10 PIMs, a plus-5 rating, and an impressive 35 shots on goal.
News:Kris Letang totaled a season-high 33:56 TOI against the Sharks on Thursday.
Analysis: Not bad for a player thought to be questionable for the contest as a game-time decision. Kris Letang chipped in with an assist, giving him 12 points (1, 11) in 12 games.
News:Kris Letang (undisclosed) will play against San Jose on Thursday, according to ROOT Sports.
Analysis:Kris Letang has missed just two games this year, when he was suspended for a hit along the boards.
News: Barring setback, Kris Letang (undisclosed) has a decent chance of playing Thursday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: "Practice went really well," Kris Letang said. "I'm going to talk to the coaches and see how they feel and how I feel and go from there." The team recalled defenseman Alex Picard in the event Letang can't go, but Picard stayed on the ice longer than the others -- a sign that he'll only play in the event of a Letang setback.
News:Kris Letang (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision against the Sharks on Thursday, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: "I'm going game-time (decision on Staal and Kris Letang)," Bylsma said. "See how they are in the morning and for the game. I'm hopeful that they'll be there for the game." Letang is thought to be closer than Staal, but we might not know until shortly before Thursday's game.
News:Kris Letang sat out Monday's practice with a maintenance day, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis:Kris Letang, who played more than 20 minutes Saturday, likely just got the day off. The team is off until Thursday, giving the Penguins defender time to heal his wounds.
News:Kris Letang tallied two power-play assists Saturday against the Maple Leafs.
Analysis:Kris Letang now has 11 points (1, 10) in 11 games. Expect his power-play numbers to continue so long as Evgeni Malkin is healthy. Getting Sidney Crosby back won't hurt Letang's numbers, either.
News:Kris Letang picked up a power-play assist in his return from suspension Saturday night.
Analysis: He led all Penguins skaters with 23:35 of ice time, a number slightly down from his 26-plus minute average. Kris Letang has eight points (1, 7) in eight games.
News:Kris Letang will return Saturday and likely pair with Brooks Orpik against the Devils.
Analysis: The top two Pittsburgh defensemen have yet to skate alongside one another in 2011-12. Kris Letang had been playing big minutes for the Pens prior to his suspension and the time off might actually help him as the season progresses.
News:Kris Letang will miss Thursday as the second part of a two-game suspension.
Analysis: The Montreal native, who tallied three assists against his hometown team Jan. 12, will have to sit this one out. Kris Letang will be back Saturday for the Devils' game.
News:Kris Letang has been suspended two games by the league as discipline for a rough boarding penalty against Alex Burmistrov, Darren Dreger of TSN reports.
Analysis: It's a bit surprising to see this suspension given that Burmistrov turned into the hit, making it perhaps appear worse than Kris Letang intended. However, the NHL and Brendan Shanahan may have been looking to make an example out of a tough hit early in the season. Either way, Letang won't be able to return until October 22nd against New Jersey.
News:Kris Letang is expected to have a disciplinary meeting with Brendan Shanahan on Tuesday for his boarding penalty on Alex Burmistrov during Monday's contest.
Analysis: Burmistrov turned into the hit and it would be surprising to see Kris Letang get a suspension, but with Shanahan looking to make examples, we'll have to wait for an official ruling.
News:Kris Letang collected his first point in three games Monday after starting the season with six points in four games.
Analysis:Kris Letang's numbers have suffered without Evgeni Malkin in the lineup and his defensive play has fallen off, too. He's a top fantasy blueliner, but his value decreases without a healthy Malkin. He has no points and a minus-3 rating in four career contests against Tuesday's opponent, the Wild.
News:Kris Letang picked up an assist and finished plus-3 Tuesday night.
Analysis: He continues to play out of position with Brooks Orpik sidelined. Kris Letang now has six points -- a goal and five assists -- as part of a four-game points streak to start the year.
News:Kris Letang scored a power-play goal Sunday versus the Oilers.
Analysis: Pittsburgh's power play should flow through Kris Letang this season, and he's proven to be a legitimate scoring threat from the blue line. He should be started whenever he's playing.
News:Kris Letang assisted on James Neal's first-period power-play goal and Matt Cooke's second-period shorthanded goal in Thursday's season-opening win over Vancouver, then scored in the shootout.
Analysis: All in all, quite a fine start to the year for Pittsburgh's No. 1 defenseman, whose numbers suffered last year in the absence of Sidney Crosby. He does have Evgeni Malkin back, though, which helps. With Crosby's timeline still up in the air, it's good to see him producing with the rest of Pittsburgh's supporting cast.
News:Kris Letang led the Pens with in ice time (27:06), power-play time (2:09) and takeaways (four) Thursday night.
Analysis: The Penguins defenseman looked awkward at times while skating on the left side rather than his customary right, due to Brooks Orpik's absense from the blue line. Still, his speed makes up for most of his mistakes. If Kris Letang can hit the net with his shot -- he attempted just one shot against Vancouver -- he'll move even higher in fantasy lists.
News:Kris Letang was named the No. 1 star in Friday's 4-1 win over the Blackhawks, assisting on two goals.
Analysis:Kris Letang skated nearly 24 minutes (23:41) and made a sprawling save while playing defense. The blueliner is in for another big year with Evgeni Malkin (and hopefully Sidney Crosby) back in the lineup.
News: Not surprisingly, Kris Letang led the Pens with more than 25 minutes played Wednesday night against Detroit.
Analysis: No one missed Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin more from a fantasy perspective than Kris Letang last season. The defender scored 40 points in 45 games through Jan. 12, but had only 10 points in his final 37. Malkin's healthy and Crosby doesn't seem as far away as he once was.
News: Letang grabbed two assists in Monday's 3-2, Game 3 win over Tampa Bay, giving him three points in the three playoff contests.
Analysis: Look for Letang's strong regular season to continue for however long the Penguins manage to stay alive in the postseason. He's a dynamic player on a struggling power play as the Pens look for offense from somewhere. His performance in Friday's loss left quite a bit to be desired.
News: Letang played poorly in Pittsburgh's Game 2 loss Friday, failing to produce at either end of the rink.
Analysis: Letang finished pointless, made a mental miscue on Tampa Bay's first goal and failed to clear the crease on the Lightning's second score. Pittsburgh excused Letang from its optional practice Thursday in an effort to rest the blueliner, but Tampa Bay has physically targeted him, hitting Letang at every possible turn.
News: Letang collected his second assist in as many games Thursday.
Analysis: He has two goals in 34 games since his power-play star Sidney Crosby went down with injury. Letang still gets plenty of chances, but sometimes he struggles putting the puck on net. His chance at the Norris Trophy is no longer realistic, but at least he's picking up points again. Letang now has eight goals and 48 points through 74 games.
News: Letang scored his first point in the month of March on Monday, an assist, and finished with a plus-2 rating.
Analysis: He also deflected a Henrik Zetterberg shot past his own goalie, but the top defender played well overall. Letang skated more than 28 minutes (28:39) after leading his team with 25:22 TOI on Sunday afternoon. His play has broken down a bit since the Sidney Crosby injury, but the Pens need him now more than ever.
News: Letang (head) apparently took part in the Pens' game-day skate Tuesday, according to the Penguins' Web site.
Analysis: The team site reports that Paul Martin was the only skater missing from practice. Letang left Sunday's game early after taking a hit to the head from the Oilers' Gilbert Brule.
News: Letang left the ice just 25 minutes into Monday's practice, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: According to the Penguins' official site, Letang's early departure was planned. "Kris Letang went to a scheduled appointment to be evaluated by a doctor just as a precautionary (action) from the hit he received last night," coach Dan Bylsma said. Barring any surprises at the doctor's office, Letang should be able to play Tuesday at Ottawa.
News: Letang will play Sunday despite being slashed on his right foot/ankle by the Islanders John Tavares' on Friday, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.
Analysis: Letang, who scored his second goal in 23 games Friday night, has seemed to wear down over the course of Pittsburgh's heavy schedule of eight games in 13 days. The team plays just two times in Week 19 -- Wednesday and Sunday -- giving Letang and the Pens plenty of time to re-energize.
News: Letang has one assist in his last 10 games and one goal in his last 21.
Analysis: Perhaps no Penguins player has been affected by the absence of Sidney Crosby more than Letang. With seven goals and 41 points in 55 games, the Penguins' defenseman has already surpassed all of his former career highs -- just don't expect that type of continued production while Crosby's sidelined.
News: Letang (illness) took part in Pens game-day skate Tuesday, according to the Penguins' Web site.
Analysis: It looks like Pittsburgh will have its top defenseman Tuesday night against the Islanders. Letang missed practice Monday due to illness.
News: Letang isn't feeling well, but is expected to play Tuesday against the Islanders, the Penguins' official site reports.
Analysis: Now we know why Letang missed Monday's practice, but on the plus side, it doesn't sound like what's ailing him is a major deal.
News: Letang missed Monday's practice for an undisclosed reason, the Penguins' Web site reports.
Analysis: Pittsburgh plays just one time this week before the break. Letang is likely dealing with a maintenance day off, but we'll get word later in the day. Hopefully, he'll be alright to play Tuesday against the Islanders and then take part in the All-Star festivities next weekend.
News: Letang snapped a three-game pointless streak with a power-play assist Saturday night.
Analysis: Letang was active all night long, collecting a team-high five hits. He led Pittsburgh with more than 26 minutes of ice time, including 3:40 on the power play and 3:15 short-handed.
News: Letang assisted on three of Pittsburgh's four power-play goals Wednesday night.
Analysis: The leading All-Star Game vote-getter among defensemen, Letang reached the 40-point mark (7, 33) with his big night. More importantly, he played a big part in Pittsburgh's first win without Sidney Crosby on the ice.
News: Letang notched his first goal since Dec. 20 in Monday's loss to Boston.
Analysis: Letang's quieted a bit of late with his production, but he's still in the midst of a career year sure to allow his name to surface in Norris Trophy talks. He's among the league leaders in plus-minus and defensemen points, but he and the Pens are in a small slump, so don't look for it to last too long.
News: Letang picked up an assist and finished with a plus-1 rating in Saturday's loss to the Capitals.
Analysis: Letang led the team with seven shots and misfired on another seven. As usual, he compiled more ice time (4:58) than any other blueliner on a power play that went 0-for-4. Pittsburgh's man advantage has struggled recently, with the team unable to score a power-play goal in nine of its last 12 contests.
Letang Generates Plenty of Penguin Scoring Opportunities
News: Letang got seven shots on net against the Sens on Sunday night without getting on the scoreboard.
Analysis: He also forced Jason Spezza to the sidelines with a hit, but tried to minimize the impact of that hit. "I saw him going to the puck and he kind of turned his back so I didn't want to hit him, so I put my two hands around him," Letang said. "I think he tripped before and it kind of looked bad on the play."
News: Letang picked up a pair of power-play points -- a goal and an assist -- in Monday's win over Phoenix.
Analysis: Letang had just one point in five games prior to Monday night. For the season, Letang now has six goals and 29 points in 34 games for Pittsburgh.
News: Letang (undisclosed) returned to practice Friday after getting a maintenance to rest Thursday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: The leading All-Star write-in vote getter, Letang will get a chance to add to his impressive point total of 26 points in 30 games against the Sabres.
News: Letang, who missed Thursday's practice, is expected to play Saturday against Buffalo, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: The Penguins held Letang out of Thursday's skate with a "maintenance-day" off. Fantasy owners need not worry about Letang's availability for the Buffalo game.
News: Letang did not participate in the Pens' practice Thursday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Pittsburgh gave no immediate reason as to why Letang sat out. The star blueliner led all Pens skaters with 24:17 TOI against Toronto on Wednesday.
News: Letang's two helpers Saturday give him 26 points in 28 games.
Analysis: Both of Letang's assists came on Sidney Crosby goals. The two have shown great chemistry together. Letang has been streaky in the past, but at age 23 with 245 NHL games to his credit, he's still got room for improvement.
News: Letang notched a game-winning goal Monday in the win over the Rangers and has four points in the last two contests.
Analysis: Letang is having an outstanding season and remains a major factor in the high-powered Pittsburgh attack. Letang is atop the league leaders in points for defensemen and remains a must-play. He's a plus-12 in addition to his 23 points.
News: Letang assisted on three goals for the first time this season in Saturday's 4-1 victory over the Flames.
Analysis: His three-point afternoon moves him into a tie with John-Michael Liles for the NHL lead for points by defensemen with 22.
News: Letang potted his first regular-season power-play goal since March 25, 2009 on Tuesday.
Analysis: Letang has taken over as the Pens' top offensive blueliner, compiling 19 points (4, 15) and a plus-9 rating in 22 games. He already has more goals than he did a season ago, when he finished with three in 73 contests.
News: Letang picked up an assist Saturday, giving him three goals and 17 points in 18 games.
Analysis: Letang is on pace to obliterate his previous high in points. He had 33 points in 74 games back in 2008-09. Letang already has 235 NHL games to his credit despite being just 23 years of age. The scary part is that his game still has plenty of room to grow.
Pens' Letang Practices Last Two Days, Set to Play Friday
News: Letang (finger) participated in practice Friday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Letang, who has three goals and 11 points in 13 games, looks like he's set to play Friday night against Anaheim. Letang already has the same number of goals that he totaled last year, when he scored three in 73 games. He feeds off his confidence more than other players and has been prone to slumps over the course of his career, so his early-season performance bears constant monitoring by fantasy owners.
News: Letang (finger) returned to Wednesday's contest after missing less than a period of play following a fight against the Stars' Brenden Morrow, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Letang continues to suffer from a sore right ring finger, a specific injury finally revealed. The fact that he was able to return Wednesday bodes well for his availability Friday night, but we'll monitor his status.
News: Letang (wrist) is expected to be in the lineup Wednesday against the Stars, according to the Penguins' Official Twitter Feed.
Analysis: Letang left Saturday's game early, but the Pens had a nice gap in games and it looks like it's given Letang sufficient time to heal without missing any full contests.
News: Letang left Wednesday's game after squaring off in a fight against Brenden Morrow.
Analysis: He's been nursing a bad hand or wrist injury for the last week. The Pens can ill afford to lose the skill, if not the minutes, that Letang provides on defense.
News: Letang (wrist) returned to practice Tuesday but is still questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Stars, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Letang said he'll need another day to determine whether the injury impedes his ability to handle or shoot the puck or makes it difficult to use his stick on defense. Letang may end up being a game-time decision in Dallas.
News: Letang missed practice Monday with an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: It's thought that Letang is suffering from a hand or wrist injury sustained last Wednesday in Tampa Bay. He played Friday night before leaving Saturday's game early. The Pens are off until Wednesday. At this point, it's looking like Letang could be game-day decision.
News: Letang is apparently battling a wrist injury which he first suffered Wednesday night against Tampa Bay.
Analysis: The Pens got Sunday off after playing three games in four days, so we probably won't have any additional details until after Monday's practice.
News: Letang left Saturday's game with an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Letang skated less than 10 minutes (9:44) before leaving. The Pittsburgh blueliner has battled an assortment of injuries all season long. We'll update his status as details become available. The Penguins are off until Wednesday, when they travel to Dallas.
Pens' Letang Has Two Points in 3-2 Loss to Flyers Friday Night
News: Letang had a goal and an assist as Pittsburgh lost to Philadelphia 3-2 on Friday night.
Analysis: With the two points, Letang now has 11 (3G, 8A) in as many games. The 23-year-old blueliner is having the makings of a breakout campaign.
News: Letang (wrist) returned to action Wednesday after missing less than a period of action.
Analysis: His wrist injury appeared to be worse than it actually was. Good news for the Pens.
News: Letang left Wednesday's game with an apparent wrist injury.
Analysis: Letang was shaking his right glove after taking a shot from the point. We'll update any details but his loss would be a great blow to the Pens and to Letang's fantasy owners.
News: Letang saw more than 23 minutes of action against St. Louis after missing practice Friday.
Analysis: He got hit on his right leg with a slap shot in Thursday's game, but was well enough to play Saturday night. Letang ranks second in scoring among defensemen with eight points (2, 6) in nine contests.
News: Letang missed practice on Friday with a sore right foot or leg, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Analysis: Letang took a Jerred Smithson shot off of his body and missed seven minutes of Thursday's game, later returning. It's believed that Letang was checked by doctors and may have had an X-ray taken after the game. Unless X-rays show something, Letang figures to play Saturday night in St. Louis.
Letang Wins Thursday's Game With Overtime Slapper for Pittsburgh
News: Letang won Thursday's game in overtime with a blistering slap shot from the top of the right circle.
Analysis: The goal was Letang's first game-winner since March 25, 2008. He also chipped in with two assists, giving him eight points in eight games. The Pittsburgh defensive trio of Letang, Alex Goligoski and Paul Martin is showing that there are enough points on the blue line for everyone.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang has signed a four-year contract extension that runs through the 2013-14 season. The deal announced Tuesday prevents him from becoming a restricted free agent.
Analysis: Letang is six points short of the 33 he put up last season, and has only scored three goals after tallying 10 in 2008-09. He still has plenty of value in deeper leagues, but has lost some of his luster this season.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang tallied a pair of assists and finished at plus-3 on Monday against the Sabres. It was his second multi-assist game in his last four outings and he is up to 21 points on the season.
Analysis: Letang had his best month of the season in January, with two goals and seven points in 15 games. He starts February on the right foot. Letang had a pretty good second-half surge in 2008-09 and it appears as though he is on the same path. He is once again getting some time alongside Sergei Gonchar and that is great for Letang's development. Scoop Letang up in Fantasy before it's too late.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang tallied a pair of assists and finished at minus-1 on on Monday against the Rangers. He has one goal and four assists in his last six games.
Analysis: Letang is up to two goals and five assists in 13 January games. The seven points are a season high. Letang is finally settling into a rhythm and playing up to his potential. He can do a lot of damage down the stretch, so now might be the time to start adding him in Fantasy.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored a goal during Thursday's game against the Capitals. It was his third goal and first in eight games. Letang also has three points in his last four games.
Analysis: Letang's recent run might only be a minor one, but it gives us hope that he is ready to turn the corner. It has been a slow progression for Letang since he returned from a shoulder injury in late November. He has really been a disappointing Fantasy option since Pittsburgh intended to lean on him heavily since the start of last season. Letang has low-end Fantasy appeal until he starts producing on a regular basis.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Tuesday against the Thrashers. Letang opened the scoring with his second goal of the season as he beat Ondrej Pavelec 39 seconds into the second period.
Analysis: Letang hasn't settled into a rhythm since returning from a shoulder injury in late November. He has really been a disappointing Fantasy option since Pittsburgh intended to lean on him heavily since the start of last season. Letang has low-end Fantasy appeal until he starts producing on a regular basis.
News: Pittsburgh D Kris Letang was activated off the IR on Saturday and played against the Rangers. Letang had two assists in the game increasing his points total to 11 with a goal and 10 assists. Letang had not played in the past nine games due to a shoulder ailment.
Analysis: We were expecting Letang to be back pretty soon, so his return should not come as much of a surprise. He was off to a decent start with the Pens before getting hurt and should now be activated as a No. 3 or 4 Fantasy option for Fantasy Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6).
News: Penguins C Tyler Kennedy (groin) and defenseman Kris Letang (shoulder) practiced Thursday but did not play on Friday against the Islanders.
Analysis: Coach Dan Bylsma is pleased with Letang's progress, but added he needs a few more practices until he is game ready. Letang was injured in early November and was supposed to be back by the end of the month. He could return for Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6), but is still a risky start until we see him back in the lineup and productive. Letang has high-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Penguins D Kris Letang will miss two weeks because of a shoulder contusion.
Analysis: Letang is a viable Fantasy defenseman in most formats when healthy, so be sure to bench him for at least Fantasy Week 7 (Nov. 16-22) and 8 (Nov. 23-29), unless he gets back in 10 days or so.
News: Pittsburgh D Kris Letang (upper body) missed his second straight game on Tuesday against the Bruins as he was scratched with an upper body injury. Letang is day to day with the injury and could return on Thursday versus the Devils.
Analysis: Letang is a solid starting defenseman in most leagues so Fantasy owners will need to play close attention to see when he'll be able to return. He's day to day at the moment so you'll just have to wait it out.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang left Saturday's loss to the Sharks in the first period, holding his right arm awkwardly. He did not return.
Analysis: Letang is a solid starting defenseman in most leagues, so plenty of folks will have a lineup dilemma with him heading into Fantasy Week 6 (Nov. 9-15). Hopefully we'll hear some concrete news about his status before Monday's lineup deadline, but that's no guarantee.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored his first goal of the season in Tuesday's win over the Ducks. He also contributed an assist.
Analysis: Lang is off to an OK start with seven points so far and continues to be a decent starting defenseman in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Pittsburgh D Kris Letang helped make the score 3-0 in Tuesday's 5-1 win over the Blues as he assisted on Ruslan Fedotenko's 2nd-period goal. Minutes later, Letang assisted on Matt Cooke's goal to make it 4-0.
Analysis: Letang now has five points on the season in nine games. He hadn't scored any points in his previous four contests. Letang has really worked on his offensive game since late last season and is arguably the Pens' second-best offensive blueliner behind Sergei Gonchar. He should get the points going shortly and remains a high-end must-start option.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins D Kris Letang played Saturday against the Maple Leafs two days after suffering what he said was a bite wound from the mouth of Flyers LW Scott Hartnell. Letang played with his right ring finger heavily bandaged but said the injury did not disrupt his ability to handle the puck. Numerous teeth marks were visible on Letang's finger following Thursday's game in Philadelphia.
Analysis: Letang has three assists in five games this season. Letang has really worked on his offensive game since late last season and is arguably the Pens' second-best offensive blueliner behind Sergei Gonchar. It doesn't seem he will miss any time with the finger injury, so keep Letang active in Fantasy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports defensemen Kris Letang and Sergei Gonchar are engaged in talks with the Penguins for long-term extensions. Letang, 22, can become a restricted free agent on July 1, 2010. Gonchar, 34, is set for unrestricted free agency. The Penguins are optimistic of reaching terms with both players. Gonchar is willing to take a slight pay cut on his annual $5 million salary, but Letang is seeking a four year deal at nearly $4 million per season. The negotiations are in a way tied into one another, as the length offered to Letang could depend on how many years Gonchar demands.
Analysis: Letang really had the tale of two seasons in 2008-09. At the beginning, he was expected to be the guy to pick up the slack for Gonchar and Ryan Whitney, who were both on injured reserve. Letang never really levitated to that role and really didn't kick his season into high gear until Gonchar returned from a shoulder injury late in the season. Letang had 14 points (five goals) in his last 19 games and 13 points (four goals) in 23 playoff contests. He finally lived up to the potential of an offensive blueliner. Getting Letang locked up long term would be ideal for Pittsburgh, but for Fantasy owners we are more concerned that Letang continues to build off his late-season run. Letang is more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman Draft Day, but he definitely has breakout potential.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored a goal and finished at even during Wednesday's game against the Flames. Letang got the only goal Pittsburgh would need, his ninth, 8:20 into the contest when he slammed home a puck while on the power play and wide open to the right of Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff.
Analysis: Letang's goal was his fourth in March and eighth in his past 24 games. He has 10 points in 14 games under interim coach Dan Bylsma. He got off to a rough start with Bylsma as he was a healthy scratch in his first three games, but since Ryan Whitney left town, Letang has taken off. He is finally hitting his stride and has become a viable Fantasy defenseman.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored midway through the third period in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Flyers, ruining Martin Biron's shutout bid.
Analysis: Letang is having a career year with 28 points, but is still just a low-end Fantasy starting defenseman in deeper formats.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang assisted twice in Tuesday's win over the Thrashers.
Analysis: Letang is having a career year with 27 points, but is still just a low-end Fantasy starting defenseman in deeper formats.
News: Pittsburgh D Kris Letang had two assists against the Capitals on Sunday in a 4-3 shootout win over the Penguins.
Analysis: Letang has tallied a point in three of the last four games, scoring two goals and adding two assists. Fantasy owners are more than happy to see a point per game out of Letang but it shouldn't be expected. He is a player to watch in Fantasy in the coming days and weeks.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored a goal and finished at plus-3 during Thursday's 4-1 win against the Panthers. Letang made it 3-1 at 4:37 in the final period with a wrist shot. He has two goals in his last three games and seven on the season.
Analysis: Letang has really taken advantage of some extra scoring chances since Ryan Whitney was dealt to Anaheim. Letang didn't cut the mustard earlier this season when Whitney and Sergei Gonchar were both down with injury, but now that coach Dan Bylsma is running the show, maybe Letang will have better luck. He is definitely a player to watch in Fantasy.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins D Kris Letang was benched for the third consecutive game Sunday against the Capitals. His three healthy scratches this season have all come under interim coach Dan Bylsma, who said Letang must work on improving before he gets back into the lineup. "This is about playing the way we need to play and practicing the way we need to practice," Bylsma said, "and you need to bring that every day."
Analysis: Bylsma praised Letang as a "talented individual" but also again stressed he must "work at it at practice." The 21-year-old defenseman has five goals and 14 assists in 53 games. He really never stepped up to the level that was expected when Ryan Whitney and Sergei Gonchar were both down with injuries. Now the new coach is making him pay. Keep Letang reserved in Fantasy until he can become a productive force.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang had two goals in Friday's game against Columbus. They were his first goals since he scored two on Jan. 28 against the Rangers four games earlier.
Analysis: Letang had not had a point in any of the four games in between and he continues to be a player that has marginal offensive upside and is nothing more than a low-end defenseman despite the two-goal outburst.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored two defensive goals in a 6-2 win over the Rangers on Wednesday. It was his second and third goals of the season. Letang now has 16 points on the season with the three goals and 16 assists.
Analysis: Letang hadn't put up even a point in his last three games for the Pens. Letang has marginal offensive upside and is nothing more than a low-end defenseman despite the two-goal outburst.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang returned to action in Sunday's win over the Rangers after sitting out just one game with an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Letang has just one point in his last nine games and hasn't scored since Dec. 8. He has provided marginal offensive production in 2008-09 despite getting ample scoring opportunities. Since he is undercutting expectations, Letang remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: The Penguins held out forward Maxime Talbot (upper body injury), defensemen Kris Letang (lower body injury), defenseman Rob Scuderi (facial injury) and forward Pascal Dupuis against Anaheim Friday.
Analysis: Letang has just one point in his last nine games and hasn't scored since Dec. 8. He has provided marginal offensive production in 2008-09 despite getting ample scoring opportunities. Since he is undercutting expectations, Letang remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: The Penguins official web site reports that Penguins D Kris Letang (undisclosed), D Rob Scuderi (eye), C Maxime Talbot (undisclosed) and RW Pascal Dupuis (undisclosed) will all not take part in Friday's game vs. Anaheim.
Analysis: Luckily for Fantasy owners, Letang is the only one in this group with any real Fantasy value. Continue to bench/ignore all these guys in every Fantasy format.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang has failed to record a point in six games since returning from a lower-body injury Jan. 1. Letang is also minus-3 in that span while taking just one shot in each of his last five games.
Analysis: Letang has one point in his last 12 games and no goals in that span. He has provided marginal offensive production in 2008-09 despite getting ample scoring opportunities. Since he is undercutting expectations, Letang remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Pittsburgh D Kris Letang returned from a lower body injury on Thursday in a loss at Boston on New Year's Day. Letang did not record any points in 14 minutes on the ice.
Analysis: Letang has provided some offensive spark along the blue line for the Penguins, but he hasn't paid the big dividends everyone was hoping for when the season began. He is still only worth starting right now as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang (lower body) did not dress for Tuesday's game against the Penguins. He has missed the last four games and remains questionable heading into Thursday's rematch with the Bruins.
Analysis: Letang has provided some offensive spark along the blue line for the Penguins, but he hasn't paid the big dividends everyone was hoping for when the season began. He is still only worth starting right now as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang sat out a third game with a lower body injury on Saturday against the Canadiens. He is listed as questionable for Dec. 30 against the Bruins.
Analysis: Letang has not been putting up the numbers offensively that Fantasy owners are wanting out of him. He's a No. 4 or No. 5 defenseman at this point, but should be benched for Week 13 (Dec. 29-Jan. 4) as he is an injury risk.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang sat out a second straight game Friday with an undisclosed injury.
Analysis: Letang hasn't been much of an offensive force and is still only worth starting right now as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman, when healthy. Keep an eye on his status heading into Fantasy Week 13 (Dec. 29-Jan. 4).
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored a goal during Monday's 4-3 loss to the Sabres, but he also finished at minus-3 in 21:47 of ice time. The lone power-play goal of the game was Letang's first such in 82 games. It was also his first goal in 37 contests overall.
Analysis: Letang hasn't been as much of an offensive force for the Penguins as expected with Ryan Whitney and Sergei Gonchar on IR. Whitney is set to return soon from a foot injury and Letang could lose some scoring chances. He is still only worth starting right now as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang assisted in his fourth straight game Tuesday as Pittsburgh edged the Red Wings 7-6.
Analysis: Letang has eight assists on the year and is already almost halfway to the 17 points he put up last season. He remains a nice low-end starting Fantasy blue-liner in deeper formats, but once Ryan Whitney returns, his value will likely drop.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang had an assist and finished at even in 29:49 of ice time Saturday against the Islanders. He now has an assist in three straight games for his longest point streak of the season.
Analysis: Letang had a pretty disappointing October with no goals and four assists. He still doesn't have a goal in 14 games and hasn't really stepped up offensively in the absence of Ryan Whitney (foot) and Sergei Gonchar (shoulder). However, he is off to a nice start in November and let's hope he can keep this up. Letang remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang tallied an assist and finished at plus-3 during Saturday's game against the Blues. He now has two assists in his last four games and five on the season.
Analysis: Letang is still without a goal in 12 games and hasn't really filled the offensive void of Ryan Whitney (foot) and Sergei Gonchar (shoulder). Letang does have good offensive upside, but remains more of a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman.
News: Pittsburgh D Kris Letang played 22 minutes on Tuesday against the Flyers in an overtime victory. Letang had two shots on goal and picked up two assists in the game. He picked up an assist in overtime as he combined with Brooks Orpik on Pascal Dupuis' game-winning goal.
Analysis: It's great to see Letang taking on a bigger role now that Ryan Whitney and Sergei Gonchar are out until mid-season. Letang does have good offensive upside, but remains more of a No. 4 Fantasy forward.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins D Kris Letang has played 25-plus minutes in each of his first three games. He averaged 14 minutes last season.
Analysis: It's great to see Letang taking on a bigger role now that Ryan Whitney and Sergei Gonchar are out until mid-season, but he doesn't have a point in three games and a minus-2 rating. He is having a lot of empty minutes right now. Letang does have good offensive upside, but remains more of a No. 4 Fantasy forward.
News:Sergei Gonchar will be kept out of the Pittsburgh Penguins' lineup at least through the regular-season opener in two weeks because of a dislocated left shoulder. Gonchar, who sustained the injury during the first period of the Penguins' preseason opener Saturday, led the reigning Eastern Conference champions in ice time last season and was third on the team in scoring with 12 goals and 53 assists. Pittsburgh general manager Ray Shero said surgery is an option for the 34-year-old defenseman, who is entering his 14th NHL season, but Shero would offer no other timetable. Gonchar's injury means that Pittsburgh will open the season without their top two defensemen. Ryan Whitney underwent foot surgery last month and is likely out until December. That means second-year defenseman Kris Letang probably becomes the primary offensive blue liner for Pittsburgh.
Analysis: Shero said it was too early to speculate on the minimum amount of time Gonchar will miss, but he will miss some time and that means Letang will be looked to lead the offensive scoring on defense. Letang, 22, is a promising offensive-minded defenseman with a right-handed shot -- the only player among the Penguins' defense corps that doesn't shoot left-handed. Letang had six goals and 11 assists during his rookie season in 2007-08. He also had 23 penalty minutes, one power-play goal and three game-winning scores. Letang has the most offensive potential of the remaining defenseman and is now a Fantasy sleeper heading into 2008-09.
News: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports injured Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney, out until at least January following August foot surgery, said that second-year defenseman Kris Letang is ready to assume more offensive responsibilities as his potential off-point replacement on the first power-play unit.
Analysis: Letang, 22, is a promising offensive-minded defenseman with a right-handed shot -- the only player among the Penguins' defense corps that doesn't shoot left-handed. Letang had six goals and 11 assists during his rookie season in 2007-08. He also had 23 penalty minutes, one power-play goal and three game-winning scores. Letang has the most offensive potential of the remaining defenseman in line to replace Whitney and is now a Fantasy sleeper heading into 2008-09.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is expected to be given consideration to fill the power-play spot vacated by defenseman Ryan Whitney, who will miss at least three months after undergoing surgery on his left foot Aug. 15.
Analysis: Letang, 22, is a promising offensive-minded defenseman with a right-handed shot -- the only player among the Penguins' defense corps that doesn't shoot left-handed. Letang had six goals and 11 assists during his rookie season in 2007-08. He also had 23 penalty minutes, one power-play goal and three game-winning scores. Letang has the most offensive potential of the remaining defenseman in line to replace Whitney, who might be out until January, and is now a Fantasy sleeper heading into 2008-09.
News: Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney will be out 3-5 months following surgery to correct a chronic problem with his left foot. The team didn't describe the nature of the problem in a statement released Saturday. Whitney told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review his left foot is misaligned and that attempts to correct it with orthopedic inserts in his skates didn't work. "I just couldn't live on one healthy foot anymore, let alone try to skate," Whitney said. "We've tried everything to avoid surgery because we knew it would mean missing a chunk of the season, but nothing worked." The Penguins will now lean on defenseman Kris Letang, Brooks Orpik, Hal Gill and Darryl Sydor to possibly play alongside Sergei Gonchar on the Penguins' top blue line.
Analysis: The likely choice to fill Whitney's shoes is Letang, who had six goals and 11 assists during his rookie season in 2007-08. He also had 23 penalty minutes, one power-play goal and three game-winning scores. Letang has the most offensive potential of the remaining defenseman and is now a Fantasy sleeper heading into 2008-09.
News: Penguins rookie D Kris Letang tallied a goal and an assist Wednesday in a 7-3 win over the Sabres.
Analysis: Letang sees plenty of ice time with the Pens, but only has 16 points this season and doesn't see the penalty box very often. He is only 20 years old, however, so his keeper value is pretty solid at the moment.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang scored a goal, added an assist and finished at plus-2 during Sunday's game against the Flyers. He extended his points streak to four games. He has two goals and three assists in that span.
Analysis: Letang is playing some of his best hockey as of late and has moved into the second pairing along Darryl Sydor. But he still has a long ways to go to catch Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney. Letang remains just a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang tallied an assist and finished at minus-1 during 19:42 of ice time Monday against the Devils. It was his seventh assist of the season, but his first point in eight games.
Analysis: Letang, the team's third-round pick in 2005, is gaining valuable minutes in his second pro season, but is not a big threat on the offensive end. His speciality right now is penalty shots and is merely a low-end Fantasy flier and long-term keeper.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang tallied an assist and finished at even during 19:01 of ice time Monday against the Rangers. He now has an assist in three straight games and four of his last six contests.
Analysis: Letang, the team's third-round pick in 2005, is gaining valuable minutes in his second pro season, but is not a big threat on the offensive end. His speciality right now is penalty shots and is merely a low-end Fantasy flier and long-term keeper. If he keeps putting points on the board, his value might continue to rise.
News: Penguins D Kris Letang tallied an assist and finished at plus-3 during Thursday's game against the Maple Leafs. It was his first point in eight games and second in 13 games. Both points were assists.
Analysis: Letang, the team's third-round pick in 2005, is gaining valuable minutes in his second pro season, but is not a big threat on the offensive end. His speciality right now is penalty shots and is merely a low-end Fantasy flier and long-term keeper.
News: Kris Letang scored the shootout winner in the sixth round Saturday, lifting the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks. Letang, who beat Miikka Kiprusoff to seal a win in Calgary Thursday, faked Roberto Luongo with a leg-kick and went around him with a strong forehand deke. "I had the chance to make the team win, so like last game I put the move in my head and just made it," Letang said. "Just like Calgary, I had confidence. It's not more confidence, I just had to do it again."
Analysis: While the shootout goal doesn't do much for Fantasy owners, it's good to see the youngster get one by a goalie like Luongo. Letang, a third-round pick in 2005, is an excellent keeper prospect, but in yearly leagues he's more of a reserve skater for now.
News: Every season, the Pittsburgh Penguins seem to add another excellent rookie or two. First, it was Marc-Andre Fleury, then Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. Apparently, the young talent isn't done arriving. Kris Letang scored the go-ahead goal off Crosby's pass midway through the third period and the Penguins beat the Phoenix Coyotes 3-1 Monday night, their fourth victory in five games. Letang's third career goal and his first since Oct. 14, 2006, before the Penguins returned him to his junior team, came with a man advantage after Pittsburgh couldn't convert on its first seven power-play chances.
Analysis: Letang didn't have a goal in seven previous games this season and had missed several other good chances set up by Crosby on the power play. "He's smart and he got in the right spot, it took him a couple to get it but it was a big one for us," Crosby said. "The power play was struggling a bit there, so to get a chance like that late in the game and come through was big." Letang was on the power play unit because Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar missed a third consecutive game with a groin injury. "The more you play, the more you gain confidence," said Letang, a third-round pick in 2005 who played in only his 15th career game. He's an excellent keeper prospect, but in yearly leagues he's more of a reserve skater for now.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Penguins rookie defenseman Kris Letang presumed a promotion from the AHL would be the highlight of his week. Turns out the high of being recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Tuesday lasted slightly more than 48 hours. After Letang turned in a solid performance in his regular-season NHL debut against the New York Islanders on Thursday, he received a surprise visit from Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey in the Penguins' dressing room.
Analysis: Coffey was inducted into the Penguins' Hall of Fame before the game against the Islanders. While sticking around to watch his former club, he instantly took a liking to Letang -- a skilled, offensive-minded defenseman. "He said he really liked my game," Letang said. "He liked the way I moved the puck and said that I skated well. And he told me to play my game." Expect the blue-chipper to be up and down for most of this season, making him a nice keeper prospect in larger leagues.
News: D Kris Letang was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL on Tuesday. Letang, a right-handed shot, is the Penguins' top prospect, and had scored a goal and registered seven points in 10 AHL games.
Analysis: Letang was paired with Brooks Orpik Thursday against the Islanders. Letang is a solid offensive defenseman -- whose defense has been a liability. Expect the blue-chipper to be up and down for most of this season, making him a nice keeper prospect in larger leagues.
News: Kristopher Letang has a goal and six assists in 10 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL this season. He has an even rating and just four penalty minutes.
Analysis: Letang is a solid offensive defenseman -- whose defense has been a liability. Expect the blue-chipper to remain in the minors for most of this season, making him a nice keeper prospect in larger leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange notes: The Penguins trimmed their roster to 22. They assigned top prospect Kris Letang, a heralded right-handed defenseman, to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. Joining Letang there will be forwards Jonathan Filewich, Ryan Stone and Jeffrey Taffe.
Analysis: Letang had done very little to earn a spot, as he was disappointing in the team's prospect tournament and the preseason. He remains a solid keeper in long-term Fantasy leagues however. Taffe was limited to just six points in 17 games for the Phoenix Coyotes last season and has never really materialized as a Fantasy force like was originally envisioned. He is only worth a look in the deepest of formats if he actually wins a roster spot. None of the other players are worth holding onto in Fantasy play.
News: Penguins coach Michel Therrien told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he has not yet committed to giving Kristopher Letang a roster spot just yet. "He has not made the team yet," Therrien said. "He has to show he can play at the top level."
Analysis: Letang is scoreless in three preseason games for the Penguins so far. He has done very little to earn a spot, as he was disappointing in the team's prospect tournament and the preseason. He remains a solid play in long-term keeper Fantasy leagues however.
News: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Kristopher Letang has re-joined Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL. The 20-year-old will help them out for the remainder of their playoff run.
Analysis: Letang managed 14 goals and 38 assists in just 40 games with Val D'Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He is a solid keeper option for the 2007-08 season, as he has a chance to win a job in training camp.
News: Kristopher Letang did a tremendous job with his Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) team, notching six goals and 13 points in four games for Val D'Or.
Analysis: Letang might re-join the team in the playoffs to help out their blueline, but he is still only worth using in long-term keeper Fantasy leagues at this point.
News: D Kristopher Letang, who struggled in the Penguins' 2-1 loss to the Devils last week and was benched for most of the final two periods, did not play Wednesday. Coach Michel Therrien said that Letang was not feeling well, and the defenseman left the arena during the morning skate.
Analysis: Letang remains an outstanding keeper prospect, but he is likely not worth keeping on weekly rosters in seasonal leagues if and when he is returned to his junior teams.
News: Rookie D Kris Letang was benched for most of Wednesday's game after being on the ice when the Devils scored their first goal. He had five shifts in the first period, one in the second and two in the third, including one on the power play
Analysis: Letang remains an outstanding keeper prospects, but he is likely not worth keeping on weekly rosters in seasonal leagues if and when he is returned to his junior teams.
News: Jordan Staal, the No. 2 pick in this year's draft, and Kristopher Letang each scored their first NHL goals in Thursday's game at N.Y. Rangers.
Analysis: Letang and Staal remain outstanding keeper prospects, but they are likely not worth keeping on weekly rosters in seasonal leagues if and when they are returned to their junior teams.
News: General manager Ray Shero told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that teenagers Kristopher Letang and Jordan Staal are likely to be returned to their juniors teams to preserve a year of free agency. "I don't think it's that difficult, because I'm looking at it as a win-win situation," Shero said. "They're here because they're obviously good enough to be here, and they're helping the team, but whether it's practice or a game, every day as a pro is a learning process for them."
Analysis: Letang and Staal remain outstanding keeper prospects, but they are likely not worth keeping on weekly rosters in seasonal leagues if and when they are returned.
News: Teenagers D Kristopher Letang and Jordan Staal made their NHL debuts in Thursday's regular season opener against Philadelphia. Each player was scoreless in their first game.
Analysis: Letang posted a plus-1 rating and Staal was scoreless. While they are not necessarily must-starts in seasonal Fantasy leagues yet, they are worth a roster spot in dynasty pools.
News: Kristopher Letang might see more responsibilities on defense for the Pittsburgh Penguins with Brooks Orpik (hand) sidelined for at least Thursday's opener against the Flyers.
Analysis: Letang is more of an offensive threat than Orpik and will see more ice time until the defenseman can get back into the mix.
News: Jordan Staal and Kristopher Letang made the Pittsburgh Penguins' opening day roster Monday, joining Sidney Crosby to give the rebuilding team a franchise-first three teens on the roster. With Evgeni Malkin added in once he recovers from a dislocated shoulder - he turned 20 slightly more than two months ago - the Penguins may have their youngest roster in their 40-season history as they try to bounce back from four consecutive last-place finishes. Letang, a 19-year-old defenseman and the Penguins' second-round pick behind Crosby in 2005, and Staal can appear in up to nine games without that time counting toward free agency or the expiration of their NHL contracts.
Analysis: Letang, 5-11 and 190 pounds, had 25 goals and 43 assists in 60 games for Val d'Or of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Letang is more of an offensive force than he is a defender, much like Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar. "I wanted to make the team when I came to camp," said Letang, who was given little chance of doing so when the Penguins' rookies reported nearly a month ago. He could turn into a nice sleeper pick once he arrives for good, but for now, leave him unowned until he earns solid ice time.
