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.
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.
This is a positive sign that Letang could be in the lineup on Friday vs. the Islanders.
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.
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 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.
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.
Coach Dan Bylsma said Letang will accompany the Penguins to Florida for the two-game trip that begins Friday night in Sunrise, but cautioned against assuming he will be back in the lineup while the Penguins are on the road. “Kris needs to progress back to practice before we’d think about putting him in a game at this point in time,” Bylsma said. “I don’t see him just stepping back into a game situation without a team practice.”
This is positive news for Letang owners who should get their star defenseman back in the near future. Letang is questionable for Friday's contest with the Panthers.
While the Penguins have yet to give a timetable on Letang's return this is a positive sign, that he is getting closer.
Letang is one of the NHL's best offensive-defenseman, but he has had a hard time staying healthy as of late. He missed 13 games last season and has missed a total of 44 games in the last two seasons.
Clayton Stoner will play tonight vs. the Kings and Dumba will sit. He was the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Dumba is a good skater who likes to rush the puck. His offensive game outshines his defensive game, but he loves to throw big hits, which Wild fans will grow to love.
This means that Letang's placement on IR was not retroactive to September 27th and that he will for sure miss the Penguins first two games of the season. Make sure to pull him from your lineup.
Reports are that Letang is dealing with a knee injury but he is not expected to be out longterm.
