Letang will skate with Rob Scuderi in 5-on-5 situations, he will also be featured on their top power-play unit, as well as 5-on-3 unit. Letang should be safe to play even though it is his first game back. He is too talented to bench.
Letang has been sidelined for the Penguins first nine games because of a knee injury. The Penguins went 7-2-0 without their star defenseman, so his presence on the back-end and on the power-play will only bolster and already elite lineup. There were reports that he was 'flying' in practice this week, making him safe to deploy tonight - if he plays of course.
Ouellet was recalled yesterday incase Niklas Kronwall could not play, which was not the case. He returns to Grand Rapids where he has two assists in five games.
Letang will likely make his season debut tomorrow after missing the first nine games with a knee injury. He had five goals and 33 assists (38 points) in 35 games last season.
Ouellet made his NHL debut on Monday and was sent down yesterday, but has been recalled this morning after Niklas Kronwall took a puck to the face in the Red Wings gameday skate. Kronwall is expected to play, but Ouellet has been recalled as a precaution.
This is a positive sign that Letang could be in the lineup on Friday vs. the Islanders.
Ouellet impressed Red WIngs head coach Mike Babcock in his NHL debut. He played 17:15 and recorded one shot in the 1-0 shootout loss. Ouellet looks like he has a bright future ahead of him with the Red Wings.
Letang will miss his ninth straight game tonight. The Penguins play on Friday and Saturday, so with four days off in between games, there is a good chance he will return this weekend.
With Jonathan Ericsson sitting with an injured shoulder, so the 20-year-old draws in. He is a solid two-way defenseman with a lot of offensive upside. He isn't fantasy relevant yet, but will be worth a look in a few years.
This is not a good sign that Letang will return to the lineup tonight. It appears he will miss his ninth straight game, but should be ready for the Pens next game on Friday. This isn't for sure, we will update as it becomes available.
The 48th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft has two assists in five games in his first season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He had 10 goals and 31 assists (41 points) in 50 games last season with Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the QMJHL.
The Penguins play at 1 PM EST tomorrow, so expect an official update later today or early tomorrow. If he can't play on Saturday, the Penguins next game is on Monday vs. Colorado.
Letang participated in a full practice yesterday and it was thought that he could be ready today. He could be back in the lineup on Saturday vs. Vancouver.
Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma said that Letang wouldn't be able to return until he participated in a full team practice, so he is nearing a return. Monitor his status during tomorrow's morning skate prior to their game with the Flyers.
Letang said he dealt with some discomfort once he rejoined contact but he can work through it. There is still no timetable for his return, but he is definitely getting close.
There will be an update after the morning skate, whether or not Letang will be in the lineup tonight.
Letang could return to the Pens blueline tomorrow vs. Edmonton. He continues to participate in practice which means he is nearing a return, consider him questionable until you hear otherwise.
Detroit selected Mantha with the 20th pick at this year's NHL entry draft. He scored 50 goals and 39 assists in 67 games with Val d'Or Foreurs (QMJHL) last season. He has been off to a hot start this year as well, 13 goals and 10 assists (23 points) in eight games (first in QMJHL).
This is the first time Letang has skated with the team since the injury. Consider him questionable for tonight's matchup with Florida. An update will come after Pens practice.
Penguins defenseman Letang skated hard Thursday at Southpointe. He made cuts. Stopped hard and started quickly. Did drills with lateral movement. Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma has said Letang needed to work his way back to practice before he would return to the lineup.
