LETANG COULD RETURN FRIDAY AGAINST JETS

Kris Letang is looking like he’s on the way back into the Penguins lineup after another workout yesterday. He’s missed the last three games with an undisclosed illness but says he feels good now and he’s worked out hard on the ice the last two days.

Coach Mike Sullivan said after yesterday’s practice that he’s not yet ready to announce Letang’s return for tomorrow night’s game against Winnipeg. Only fourteen guys suited up for the practice, with the rest of the team ordered to take a recovery day. The group that rested included most of the guys on the top two lines and some key defensemen. It was a rough session, with the intensity turned up in the wake of Sullivan questioning the players’ pride after another collapse in Tuesday’s overtime loss to Tampa Bay.

Sullivan says the Penguins aren’t playing good defense.

The coach says there are many reasons the Penguins aren’t winning, but it mainly has to do who wants it most.

Sullivan says the Penguins need to be playing smart, tough hockey.

Letang says the Pens are not playing consistently good hockey.

While he’s been out of the lineup, Letang has been able to watch rookie Owen Pickering’s work on the blue line. He likes what he sees from the former number one draft pick, both on and off the ice.