5 reasons why Pittsburgh Penguins will win Stanley Cup

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 01: Pittsburgh Penguins Center Sidney Crosby (87) looks on during the second period in the NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals on April 1, 2018, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The Washington Capitals defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1. (Photo by Jeanine Leech/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OH – APRIL 5: Kris Letang /

4. Kris Letang is back

Pittsburgh won without Kris Letang last season, but the Penguins got just outstanding goaltending coupled with an extraordinary high shooting percentage. The defense was noticeably missing Letang, but now he’s back for this playoff run. It’s been an up-and-down season for Letang, as he hasn’t looked the same at times following his neck surgery.

He’s been the kind of player to make amazing plays with the puck but has looked silly defensively many times too. He showed that against the Columbus Blue Jackets as he had a great shot for a goal but then couldn’t cover Cam Atkinson on a two-against-two in the third period. He also lost Boone Jenner on the power play as Thomas Vanek found him all alone driving to the net and he beat Matt Murray blocker side.

Besides all that, having him back for the playoffs is crucial for Pittsburgh as he’s not just their best defenseman, but one of the best defenseman in the league when he’s on top of his game. If he can get back to the level of play that he had in the Penguins’ 2016 run, he’s going to be a major difference-maker.

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