The inclusion of Kris Letang has pushed the Pittsburgh Penguins penalty kill to new heights early in the season.
After a mostly disappointing season from the Pittsburgh Penguins penalty killing unit in 2022-23, the group has found new footing this time around.
The inclusion of veteran defenseman Kris Letang has breathed new life into the Penguins PK units and it’s provided a huge advantage for the team.
In 14 games, the Penguins PK is rocking a 84.78% success rate; still not at the level they may want, but certainly a step in the right direction.
Head coach Mike Sullivan spoke highly of Letang’s inclusion on that unit following a big win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
“Our penalty kill was terrific tonight,” Sullivan said. “I thought Kris Letang in particular was really impactful on our penalty kill.”
Sullivan went on to praise the aspects Letang brings to the PK including his strength and quickness.
Letang has had a fantastic year on the defensive side of the puck, which is a new role for the greatest scoring defenseman in Penguins franchise history.
Adding Erik Karlsson can force that kind of adjustment within a team.
When asked about being labeled the best penalty killer on the team, Letang suggested looking toward someone else on the ice.
"The goalie is and always going to be," Letang said. "If he doesn't stop the puck we're not going to be a good PK."
Letang promised that the goalie will always be the best penalty killer, and Tristan Jarry has been outstanding as of late, but Letang brings a different perspective to the PK.
“Being a power play guy before, I kind of know what guys are looking for,” Letang said. “It might be giving me a little bit of an advantage.”
The Penguins are riding a five-game winning streak and their successful penalty kill has played a huge role in those victories.
Still with room to grow, Letang and company will look to maintain their pace and help keep the Penguins rolling as one of the hottest teams in the league.
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