Letang out for Season
Kris Letang
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
If the Penguins manage to make into the playoffs with a win in Buffalo tonight, defenseman Kris Letang will not be joining them.
Letang suffered a concussion March 28th against Arizona in a vicious hit from behind. General Manager, Jim Rutherford, informed the Tribune Review Letang would miss the remainder of the season due to the seriousness of his injuries. Since Letang was injured the Penguins have been consistent but in a losing way. They have lost 5 of their last 6 games, one of those losses coming in overtime against the Senators. Letang's history with concussions raises some questions, at least in my mind, of how the Penguins will proceed with him for next season. Sidney Crosby missed an entire season after he was blind sided in the Winter Classic in Pittsburgh against the Washington Capitals. Perhaps the Penguins should behave just as cautiously with their All-Star defenseman to insure he recovers from his injury completely and is able to perform at the highest level.
Tonight could mark the end for the Penguins season. If they do not want to go home for the summer they must win or get a loss from Boston to qualify for the playoffs. Based on how the Penguins have struggled in their last 6 games it is doubtful they can beat a floundering Buffalo Sabres team and then be tough in the playoffs. If Boston gives the Penguins a gift tonight with a loss the Penguins will qualify. However, it would be better for the players' morale if they were to step up and win. The Penguins do not feel good about themselves and their inability to win games. Tonight is the perfect opportunity to gain confidence against a team who has struggled more than the Penguins this season.
