The Penguins have left their friendly confines of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and are now on a five game road trip that consists of four games in Western Canada and the final game in Philadelphia.
The big news is that Kris Letang did not make the trip. That will be another five games the Penguins will be without their star defenseman. To this point there has been no clarification about what is ailing Letang.
Naturally, there are some worried fans given Letang's history with his heart condition which led to a stroke. Here is how the situation played out in 2014 courtesy or RotoWorld
From January 30, 2014
Kris Letang had a maintenance day on Wednesday.Letang still traveled with the team to Los Angeles for Thursday's contest. He has missed a significant amount of time due to injuries in 2013-14, but we wouldn't be too concerned unless Letang ends up staying off the ice Thursday morning as well.
From February 2, 2014
Kris Letang probably won't play on Saturday due to an illness.
From Februay 4, 2014
Kris Letang will miss at least one more game due to his illness. The Pittsburgh Penguins aren't sure how long Kris Letang (illness) will be sidelined.
From February 7, 2014
Kris Letang's mystery illness has been revealed to have been a stroke.Kris Letang wanted to make the fact that he had a stroke public, it will encourage young or otherwise healthy people to seek medical help if they have similar symptoms. It started when Letang experienced dizziness and nausea last week. It was originally believed that he had an illness, but further testing revealed that was not the case. "It obviously was a shock to get the news but I'm optimistic that I can overcome this and get back on the ice," Letang said. The hope is that with blood thinners he'll be able to make a complete recovery and even return to the Penguins' lineup in about six weeks.
If you're looking for a glass half full approach the Pittsburgh Penguins have not mentioned the word 'illness' in any of Letang's current updates. That designation was prominent during the lead up to the stroke reveal.
The latest information we have about Letang is that it is an upper body injury and he is not considered day to day. His last game was February 21st and he was considered a game-time decision on February 24th.
Is it a concussion? It seems strange that the team wouldn't reveal that information. They were very straight forward with Carl Hagelin's concussion situation just recently. Did he tear a shoulder muscle? Who knows? At least the word illness hasn't been thrown around and even better that no press conferences with a doctor have been announced yet either.
Regardless, best wishes to Letang on his path to becoming healthy again.
As for the players who did make the trip...
Pittsburgh made some roster moves today. They called up two players from WB/S. By doing so I believe they only have two call ups remaining for the rest of the regular season. Tom Sestito and Cameron Gaunce were the two given a promotion.
Dustin Byfuglien isn't going to change how he plays because of an AHL goon. That much is certain.
Derrick Pouliot finishes up his latest NHL stint with one game played. He was decent in that game.
There is a lot of attention being given the Patrik Laine this year and rightfully so. He leads all rookies with 32 goals and 59 points. He also leads the Jets with a 5v5 points per 60 of 2.66. He's been incredibly fun to watch and will be an asset to the league for many years to come.
The attention given to Laine has cast a shadow on another amazing young player that doesn't come close to getting the recognition he deserves. Mark Scheifele is probably the best player in the league nobody gives a damn about. He was briefly in the spotlight when he played on a line with Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews at the World Cup for Team North American, However, since returning to Winnipeg he has gone back to being one of the quietest superstars in the league. And make no mistake he is a super star. His 5v5 points per 60 is 2.,58 is tenth best in the NHL and if you combine his last two years he's at 2.55. Only Connor McDavid (2.66) and Sidney Crosby (2.65) are better.
Thanks for reading!