Kris Letang Showed Again Why He’s a Penguins Legend
If you would have told me that Kris Letang would be back in action less than two weeks after suffering his second stroke, I would not have believed you. Yet, on Saturday night, there he was, wearing his number 58 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
What Letang has been able to do in his 17-year career as a member of the Penguins is remarkable. He’s suited up for 963 games, recorded 662 points (145 goals and 517 assists), and won three Stanley Cups.
He’s the third member of Pittsburgh’s “Big Three” and even though he doesn’t get as much recognition as Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, his place in Penguins history is clear.
Kris Letang returned for the Penguins on Saturday.
What has me in awe of the Pittsburgh blueliner is what he’s been able to accomplish in the last 14 months. Despite being 35 years old, Letang tallied ten goals and 58 assists for 68 points a season ago. That was a career-high for him.
Now this season, he’s returned to the lineup in what feels like no time at all given the seriousness of suffering a stroke. These are simply things that a 17-year veteran wouldn’t be expected to do.
Letang is different. He averages just under 24 minutes of ice time per game this season, which leads all Penguins skaters. With one goal and 11 assists in 22 games this year, Letang is tied for eighth on the team in points and is fifth in assists.
He seemed no worse for wear in his return on Saturday night either, as he logged 22:14 in ice time to lead the team. In addition, he delivered seven hits to lead the Pens while blocking three shots in the contest.
To think, a week and a half ago fans were wondering if and when Letang would be back, and on Saturday night, he rejoined his teammates and picked up right where he left off. He truly looked like he hadn’t missed a step, and it’s remarkable.
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Kris Letang deserves a ton of credit for what he’s done throughout his career, and Saturday night was just the latest example of why fans should take a moment to appreciate the long-time Penguins defender.