Kris Letang Returns to Bolster Penguins’ Blue Line Ahead of Vancouver Matchup
VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The Pittsburgh Penguins are getting a key piece back on the blue line, and not a moment too soon.
Kris Letang was a full participant in Saturday’s practice at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre, signaling his likely return to the lineup when the Penguins face off against the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday afternoon. Letang, 38, had been sidelined day-to-day with an upper-body injury, but his presence in a regular jersey during drills suggests he’s ready to go.
With Letang back in the mix, Pittsburgh now has eight healthy defensemen - a luxury at this point in the season - including recent addition Ilya Solovyov. The team had already welcomed Erik Karlsson back into the fold before their dominant 6-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. Now, with both Karlsson and Letang available, the Penguins’ defensive corps is starting to look a lot more like the one they envisioned earlier in the season.
Letang slotted back in alongside Brett Kulak at practice, a pairing that gives Pittsburgh a nice blend of veteran savvy and steady two-way play. Karlsson remained paired with Parker Wotherspoon, while the third and fourth pairings offer some flexibility for interim head coach Dan Muse.
Ryan Shea skated with Jack St. Ivany, while Solovyov worked with Connor Clifton - a combination that could be used situationally or rotated depending on the matchup.
This kind of depth on the back end is a welcome sight for a Penguins team that’s been navigating injuries and lineup shuffles for much of the year. Letang’s return not only strengthens the top four but gives the coaching staff options - something every NHL team craves down the stretch.
Up front, the lines remained largely intact from Thursday’s win. The top trio of Rickard Rakell, Sidney Crosby, and Bryan Rust continues to set the tone offensively, while the second line - featuring Egor Chinakhov, Tommy Novak, and Evgeni Malkin - brings a mix of creativity and scoring punch.
The third unit of Anthony Mantha, Ben Kindel, and Justin Brazeau adds size and grit, while the fourth line - Connor Dewar, Blake Lizotte, and Noel Acciari - provides energy and defensive reliability. Kevin Hayes skated as the extra forward.
Here’s how the Penguins lined up at practice:
Forwards:
- Rickard Rakell - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
- Egor Chinakhov - Tommy Novak - Evgeni Malkin
- Anthony Mantha - Ben Kindel - Justin Brazeau
- Connor Dewar - Blake Lizotte - Noel Acciari
- Extra: Kevin Hayes
Defense:
- Parker Wotherspoon - Erik Karlsson
- Brett Kulak - Kris Letang
- Ryan Shea - Jack St.
Ivany
- Extra: Ilya Solovyov - Connor Clifton
Goaltenders:
Arturs Silovs and Stuart Skinner were both present at practice.
With the team close to full strength and key veterans getting healthy, the Penguins are in a position to make a push. Letang’s return adds experience, leadership, and puck-moving ability to a blue line that’s quietly starting to round into form. If this group can stay healthy, they’ve got the pieces to be a tough out come spring.