[trackercowe]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

He's really really really bad at defense.

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Totally disagree. Letang is honestly a bit of a gong-show in his own end. He consistently makes poor decisions.

Can't speak too much about this game or this series, this is the first bit I've watched of any of the third round but it's pretty typical Letang.

Most people in the know would disagree with you. He's not the greatest defensively, but he's most definitely not as bad as your making him out to be.

“He’s known for his offensive ability, but he’s so good defensively. It was tough playing without him for that long stretch when he was out with the concussion. He gives a big boost back to the lineup. The way he uses his shot on our power-play, he’s such a great player. The way he defends guys might be unnoticed, and the way he passes the puck helps us out as forwards,” Neal explains. “Letang’s skill level, the way he can pass and shoot, he’s a threat all over the ice. That’s something we missed. Give him a little bit of time, and it’s in the back of the net.”

All-star co-captains Daniel Alfredsson and Henrik Lundqvist drafted the speedy Letang early in February’s fantasy draft.

“Why not? He’s so skilled. Both me and Alfie like the way he plays the game. He’s very talented, a great skater,” Lundqvist says.

Fleury points out that because Letang’s offensive contribution is so abundant — taking over the No. 1 defenceman role from Sergei Gonchar in 2010-11, Letang was the Pens’ second-leading scorer (to Crosby) with 50 points — his defensive game gets overlooked.

“He takes the puck out of the zone very quickly, often by himself. He’s quick on offence but works hard to get back and help out in our zone. Every year he seems like he’s improving and maturing, so it’s fun to watch him go,” the goaltender says. “He’s a French guy, and there’s not too many of us around. Since he came in, we’ve gotten along very good. He fits in very easily and likes to have a good time with the guys.”

"Kris doesn't get a lot of notoriety for his defensive game," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. "With the way he skates, the way he moves the puck, he's more viewed as an offensive guy. But if you overlook his defensive play and how he can play defensively against the other team's good players, you're really overlooking a part of his game as well."

Despite all that defensive responsibility, Chara has found a way to generate offense. He has 11 points, 42 shots and is a plus-7.

"Aside from the obvious differences," Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen said, "they're pretty similar -- in the way they control the game, the minutes they play, the situations they play in. He's their best player on their defense and [Letang] is our best player on the back end.

"They're both outstanding defensemen."

And so forth

Heck he was named the Best Defensive Defenceman in the QMJHL

At the season's end, he was the recipient of three major QMJHL awards. In addition to receiving the Emile Bouchard Trophy, as the best defenceman, and the Paul Dumont Trophy, as the best personality, Letang also received the Kevin Lowe Trophy, as the best defensive defenceman, indicative of Letang's abilities on both ends of the ice.