I'm no doctor, but if I were Letang, I'd prefer to stay out, especially when you saw what happened when Peverely chose playing over a procedure. I know it's different circumstances, but I'd prefer to take the rest of the season and summer to rest. But he knows the risk, and can make his own decisions as long as he's cleared.
- jmatchett383

It's key to remember its a TBD return. Could end up being a moot point. A big step nonetheless being given clear for contact.

A lot comes down to how he responds coming off the blood thinners and responds to the increased workload on the body. Him not having the procedure worries me but I'm not a doctor.

It's key to remember its a TBD return. Could end up being a moot point. A big step nonetheless being given clear for contact.

A lot comes down to how he responds coming off the blood thinners and responds to the increased workload on the body. Him not having the procedure worries me but I'm not a doctor.
- HopintheCordoba

I remember reading somewhere that the little hole in his heart is not necessarily the cause of the stroke. Seems to be undetermined at this point. If they're letting him return to practice it would seem they don't believe that was the reason.

I'm no doctor, but if I were Letang, I'd prefer to stay out, especially when you saw what happened when Peverely chose playing over a procedure. I know it's different circumstances, but I'd prefer to take the rest of the season and summer to rest. But he knows the risk, and can make his own decisions as long as he's cleared.
- jmatchett383

I don't understand the constant comparisons between Peverley and Letang. There is nothing to suggest that Peverley wouldn't have had the same problems if he wasn't sitting in his hotel room or up in the press box. I don't know that for a fact, but I do understand a little about heart problems.

If he is at no greater risk for another problem if he is playing versus if he is sitting, than why sit? Mentally he must be going insane because he cant play. And it's not like we are taking the leap from doing nothing to practicing, he has been skating and working out for weeks now. I'm sure that once he was able to do those things and feel fine, he was ready for the next step.

I see him doing some regular drills and being eased into the physical aspect again. That is really the tough part for him I'm sure. Having the mental ability to take a hit, I'm sure the first hit he takes will be a bit scary.

Long story short, if Letang's doctors say he is ready, I have full confidence that he is ready. Letang is a smart guy. He has a young son and a new wife. From everything I've read about him, he is a very big family guy so I don't think for a second that he would run back to hockey before he was ready if it meant endangering himself.

This is exciting news beyond the Penguins chances increasing. I know we give Letang a lot of crap all the time, but he is a vital member of this team and will help us out immensely. But the more important thing is that it appears that he is healing ahead of schedule and will be able to continue playing hockey for a long career with no long term problems.

High time we start making them play ball hockey in the Igloo parking lot I'd say


@JoshYohe_Trib: Pens are 2-10 all-time against Flyers at Consol. They're 101-31-6 all-time against everyone else at Consol.

High time we start making them play ball hockey in the Igloo parking lot I'd say


@JoshYohe_Trib: Pens are 2-10 all-time against Flyers at Consol. They're 101-31-6 all-time against everyone else at Consol.
- HopintheCordoba

that stat is just amazing

It was mentioned earlier on the boards but it bears repeating.

HCDB wants them to be a "grinding team" What?? When?? This team is at its best with quick transition and puck possession. The Penguins should never try to be a grinding team. There is a huge disconnect from the coach with what the Penguins are good at and what HCDB wants this team to be. (yuck I agree with Milbury)

And for the love of all that is holy MATCH UP LINES when you have the last change! Someone needs to tell him that this is an advantage and most competent coaches are able to figure out how it works.

Not even going to get into Glass on Sids wing, or Megna and Gibbons killing it then they get one shift with Sid and then its right back to Glass. Or Engo on the 2nd PP, or the 20 seconds the #1 unit had on a PP, or benching Despres for bad penalties then Borts comes in and does the same (doesn't miss a shift).

I didn't know Sutter was even in the lineup until midway through the second, talk about an invisible player.

Great news on Letang, however the way things have gone Sid or Geno will get hit by a piano once the walking wounded are ready return.

If Kunitz were in the lineup, this one gets at least one point for the Pens. Power play went 0-9 and gave up two shorthanded goals to a good, but not great penalty kill unit. Crosby and Malkin are great to have, but you take away Kunitz and Neal from that power play, its very manageable to negate. You are talking about two of the best power play goal scorers in the game - Kuni and Neal. You would assume they capitalize on one of them.