In this edition of the hotstove, we discuss whether the Pittsburgh Penguins can seriously contend for and/or win the Stanley Cup without the services of Kris Letang.
Todd Cordell
I really like this Penguins team but, assuming they get by Columbus (not exactly a guarantee), I can't see them beating the Capitals without Kris Letang.
Both teams have a ton of offensive firepower but the Pens are relying on Ian Cole and Justin Schultz to try and limit the Caps' top guns while Washington has the likes of John Carlson, Matt Niskanen, and Kevin Shattenkirk, all of whom are top pairing caliber, to try and slow the Pens down.
I've thought about this matchup all year -- it has felt inevitable -- and pretty much reached the conclusion Letang will have to play 25-28 minutes of his best hockey on a nightly basis for the Pens to have a shot. He obviously can't do that now and I don't think the Pens have enough talent on the back end to make up for it. So, no, I don't think they can compete for the Stanley Cup this season.
Peter Tessier This is why you trade for Mark Streit right? This his moment right?
It's not whether they can overcome the loss Letang, it's they have to overcome it. Sadly for Penguins fans it's not that easy and this will likely mean changes in tactics and roster formation to do so. The only upside is they have few games to experiment and hope they hold onto the second spot in the east.
Losing Letang will test the depth and team but the Stanley Cup playoffs are never easy for any eventual winner, this is an entirely different scenario and good luck Pittsburgh, you're going to need it.