{ "blocks": [ { "type": "video", "data": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/SacUsCZG.mp4", "streached": true, "controls": true, "caption": "Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang discusses working his way back to full strength and practicing full contact. he also talks about his chemistry with Brian Dumoulin.", "image": { "url": "https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/video-migration/SacUsCZG-poster.jpg" }, "cdn": { "service": "jwplayer", "playlistUrl": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/SacUsCZG.m3u8", "sources": [ { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/SacUsCZG.m3u8", "type": "application/vnd.apple.mpegurl" }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/SacUsCZG-PleLi0gz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 182, "width": 320, "label": "180p", "bitrate": 407358, "filesize": 7026937, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/SacUsCZG-TPyFHjSz.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 272, "width": 480, "label": "270p", "bitrate": 569346, "filesize": 9821233, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/SacUsCZG-j3UGax3n.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 724, "width": 1280, "label": "720p", "bitrate": 1548158, "filesize": 26705739, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/SacUsCZG-KwtrUhfG.m4a", "type": "audio/mp4", "label": "AAC Audio", "bitrate": 113749, "filesize": 1962178 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/SacUsCZG-hoWDbBur.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 362, "width": 640, "label": "360p", "bitrate": 607544, "filesize": 10480139, "framerate": 30 }, { "file": "https://cdn.jwplayer.com/videos/SacUsCZG-TcGp53GP.mp4", "type": "video/mp4", "height": 544, "width": 960, "label": "540p", "bitrate": 991127, "filesize": 17096951, "framerate": 30 } ] } } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins activated veteran defenseman Kris Letang from long-term injured reserve and Mike Sullivan listed him as a game-time decision." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Letang returning to the lineup would be more than just another step in the right direction for the Penguins and their health." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "No matter the season Letang is having, he only makes the team better and they should see immediate improvements." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "More than just his skill skill on the blue line, Letang brings a calming presence to the locker room and helps return the lineup to normalcy." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Without Letang, (and Jeff Petry) the Penguins were forced to utilize Ty Smith as the defenseman on the first power play unit." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "While Smith did a fine job, he was still too new to the team to be able to take that kind of mantle." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "It was an awkward situation for Smith, but Letang returning to the lineup, even if he plays the second power play unit, is a net positive for the Penguins." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Letang may be prone to some bad defensive gaffs, and there have been a few this season alone, but he at least pushes certain players out of the lineup for more consistency." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Obviously Smith was scratched out when Petry returned, but Letang taking up a slot should push Mark Friedman or Chad Ruhwedel from the lineup." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Not a knock against Friedman or Ruhwedel, but they don’t bring the same kind of play that Letang does and they haven’t had the best of luck this season." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Friedman has been good, but is likely heading back to the AHL when the opportunity presents itself, and Ruhwedel hasn’t had the same steadiness this season." } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Letang brings more than just skill to the Penguins defense, he helps solidify a more complete group of players." } }, { "id": "gl4k9z5u-cp76cxiq", "type": "embed", "data": { "service": "playlist.megaphone.fm", "source": "https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=STRAB1904138335", "embed": "https://playlist.megaphone.fm/?e=STRAB1904138335", "caption": "", "height": "200", "width": "100%" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Activate Kris Letang from LTIR" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Excited for Kris Letang's Return" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Mike Sullivan Provides Updates on Injured Penguins" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Kris Letang Considered Game-Time Decision for Penguins" } }, { "type": "paragraph", "data": { "text": "Penguins Find Top Defensive Pair" } }, { "type": "list", "data": { "style": "unordered", "items": [ "Subscribe to Inside the Penguins on YouTube", "Follow Inside the Penguins on Twitter: @InsidePenguins" ] } } ] }

Penguins Are a Better Team With Kris Letang in Lineup