Faceoff Factor

Penguin News and Notes

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

May 5, 12:36 PM | Hype this story!

Letang’s Injury Could Be Serious

Update (in blue):

Per the Post-Gazette, Letang is questionable for Wednesday’s game.

“Letang appeared at first to have injured his shoulder, but that apparently was not the case, although the Penguins declined to offer specifics.

“‘It’s a strength issue, not an injury issue,’ Coach Dan Bylsma said today.”

While no official word has been released on the status of Kris Letang, the speculative prognosis for the defenseman is grim, at best.

Letang was injured with just over six minutes left in the game last night after being hit awkwardly along the boards. He did not return after leaving the ice in visible pain.

Initially, he appeared to favor his left wrist/arm, but early speculation is that it could be a shoulder dislocation or separation.

FSN Pittsburgh color commentator Bob Errey was a guest this morning on ESPN Radio, and he stated that, from what he knows, this situation does not look like it is going to play out well.

Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post mentioned the injury, saying, “The Penguins also suffered at least one significant injury, with defenseman Kristopher Letang being helped to the dressing room…”

We’ll have more on Letang’s status as news becomes available.

Kunitz’s Crosscheck Could Merit Suspension

Chris Kunitz isn’t known as a dirty player in most circles, but his cross-check to the head of Washington Capitals rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov may be difficult to ignore.

As the Penguins pushed for a goal in the last minute of last night’s game, Kunitz battled in front of the net and clearly hit Varlamov with his stick.

No penalty was called and no word has been mentioned yet of a possible disciplinary hearing, but the action is on par with other suspendable offenses seen so far in the playoffs.

Watch the video below to draw your own conclusions.

Fletcher To Interview With Wild

According to the Star Tribune, the short list of candidates for the vacant Minnesota Wild general manager position includes Penguins assistant general manager Chuck Fletcher.

“Fletcher, the son of longtime NHL executive Cliff Fletcher, has been around the sport since he was a child. He has 16 years of experience with Florida, Anaheim and Pittsburgh, and he’s only 41, working alongside some of the NHL’s most respected executives — Bill Torrey, Bobby Clarke, Bryan Murray, Brian Burke and now Ray Shero.”

The rising executive is expected to travel to Minnessota later this week to interview.

Other potential candidates include TSN and NBC analyst Pierre McGuire (interviewing today), Pat Quinn, Paul Fenton, and Tom Lynn.