Can defencemen Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang become the backbone for Penguins’ 2024 Stanley Cup run?
Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson may just prove to be one of the most important pieces for the Penguins in fulfilling their Stanley Cup dream after seeing their performance in regular season contention.
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Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang [Image Credit: ABC7 News/Sportsnet]
The Pittsburgh Penguins 2023-24 lineup so far seems pretty solid, especially with star defencemen Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang in the rule. They became NHL’s one of the best defensive lines overnight with the addition of the former San Jose Sharks star.
Karlsson’s addition to the roster has been a massive move from the Penguins, following their inability to make it into the 2023 Stanley Cup race. Soon after the 2022-23 regular season, the Penguins cleared up their front office by firing GM Ron Hextall, President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke, and assistant GM Chris Pryor.
This year the Penguins may become one of the toughest contenders for the Cup if they can retain Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang’s health throughout the rigorous season run. Last season, Letang fell victimized by health issues and got placed in IL.
He also had to overcome his emotional turmoil after losing his father early in January. On the other hand, Karlsson has also suffered from his share of health issues. Last season, he recorded 101 points with 25 goals and 76 points in 82 games played. Letang recorded 41 points in 12 goals and 29 assists in 64 games played.
Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang’s health will prove to be important factors in Penguins success
![Kris Letang and Erik Karlsson [Image Credit: Pinterest/San Jose Hockey Now]](https://firstsportz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Untitled-design-1-2-1024x768.png)
Puck possession will not be an issue, according to Kyle Dubas, as he believes in the team’s elite defencemen Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang. Karlsson stated that he “likes to be on successful teams” and the Penguins’ drive for the Stanley Cup may be what he needed.
Karlsson had the opportunity to reach the Cup with San Jose Sharks but was unable to add it to his title list. Ironically, when the Sharks fell in 2017, the Penguins picked up the greatest trophy to celebrate their back-to-back Stanley Cup win.
Following his trade, Karlsson noted that he’s happy to be on a team that is contending. He expressed that he was excited to know that the Penguins wanted him and that “it worked out in the end here.” Furthermore, he is delighted to be part of the team where three legends are playing together.
The Penguins trio, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang will be the core members for this year too. Just a few new adjustments will be made to the roster to help their star players lead the team. Furthermore, it may be the last year with a Crosby-run team as both ‘The Next One’ and Geno are running late into their years.
Although fans may doubt the consistent performance of Crosby and Geno, there are still times when they pull off extraordinary plays on the ice. Following Karlsson’s addition Letang also noted that he loved their newest member and is looking forward to upcoming matches.
The team is expecting Tristan Jarry to pull through, especially after his inconsistent previous year’s performance. That itself will give the team clarity on where they stand. Overall, it’ll be a new Penguins team with members joining the roster. Fans as well as the players themselves are excited to see where the new roster will take them to. The ultimate goal for the players and all NHL teams is still the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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Kaushani Chatterjee
(2194 Articles Published)