Kris Letang voices several frustrations in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is not the happiest of hockey players these days, and voiced several frustrations to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Here are a few of Letang's sticking points:
- Prior to an injury to defenseman Paul Martin, Letang had been replaced on the top power play unit, which he felt hurt his chances to impress Team Canada management for an Olympic roster spot.
- Letang does not believe he is carrying the puck enough this season, as the Penguins have switched to a neutral-zone system that keeps three skaters – and both defensemen – behind the puck.
- Letang feels he took a majority of the heat for the Penguins’ sweep from the 2013 Eastern Conference final at the hands of the Boston Bruins, despite the fact centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin also did not record a point. This criticism is exacerbated by Letang's eight years, $58 million contract.
- Going back to Martin, Letang appears to resent the fact that Martin was rated by some within the organization as the best defenseman last season, even though Letang was a Norris Trophy nominee.
As Rossi notes, Letang is a very introspective player, and appears to be doing some soul searching these days.
In 16 games this season, Letang has scored four goals and one assist, with four of those points coming on the power-play.