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Struggling Penguins Veteran Forces Kyle Dubas Into Difficult Roster Decision
Photo credit: AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King
The struggles of a Pittsburgh Penguins veteran could force Kyle Dubas to make a difficult roster decision to help the team reach the next level.
Once considered a force to be reckoned with in the NHL, the Pittsburgh Penguins missed out on the playoffs for the past three seasons, illustrating that big-picture changes must be made to get the team back on track.
A team with players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin on the lineup must always be taken seriously on the ice, but the team's 33-36-12 record shows that they can't win by themselves.
Other players had to step up this season, but didn't, such as Kris Letang.
A tough decision to come for Dubas concerning Letang
In 74 games this season, Letang scored 30 points, including nine goals, but has a -15 goal differential.
But most importantly, Letang must lead the team. Players in the locker room look up to him, and he must lead by example on the ice.
Yes, his numbers were hurt by the Penguins' goalie struggles, but that's when a veteran like Letang must step up.
In a recent paper, Josh Yohe didn't mince his words regarding the defenseman, calling his second half of the season 'disastrous', and the three years remaining on his contract a 'problem'.
In his own words:
"Regarding Letang specifically, it's been a disastrous second half of the season for him."
"Every facet of his game is currently in a funk. He turns 38 later this month, and three years remain on that contract.
It's a problem." - Josh Yohe
"Every facet of his game is currently in a funk. He turns 38 later this month, and three years remain on that contract.
It's a problem." - Josh Yohe
"Why the Penguins' coaching staff thought it better to play Kris Letang with Matt Grzelcyk for the final few weeks.
They're absolutely awful together"
They're absolutely awful together"
The Penguins only have one game left to play this season. It is set to go down against the Metropolitan Division champions Washington Capitals on Thursday night, in Pittsburgh.
This could very well be the last game of the Big Three in Pittsburgh. While seeing Crosby and Malkin change teams would be surprising, Letang, on the other hand, is much more likely to get moved by Dubas.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 14 | 247 ANSWERS Struggling Penguins Veteran Forces Kyle Dubas Into Difficult Roster Decision Do you think Kyle Dubas will trade Kris Letang this summer? | ||
| Yes | 107 | 43.3 % |
| No | 140 | 56.7 % |
| List of polls | ||