penguins kris letang missed the 2023 NHL winter classic

by NFLNEWS pic credit getty images

[{"selector":"#anim-87f38455-b9c2-4164-8bf2-1cff2260e559 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(21.874999829338595%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Kris Letang, defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, was unable to play in the team's game against pic credit getty images

[{"selector":"#anim-ccf21982-bd08-484c-81c6-c4e3436a98c6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(30.35996823525543%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] the Boston Bruins in the 2023 NHL Winter Classic due to the passing of his father. pic credit getty images

[{"selector":"#anim-5083d2d5-16a1-47c4-9165-86dc84f9ba76 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] This is a difficult time for Letang and his family, and the Penguins ha ve expressed their condolences. pic credit getty images

[{"selector":"#anim-f8eb8a65-1230-4303-b17c-b352feb7d3e1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Letang has also faced some challenges this season, includin g a lower-body injury pic credit getty images

[{"selector":"#anim-2480444a-bed1-4182-8b5e-79803fbbd633 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(18.74999981037622%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] and the second stroke of his career. Despite these setbacks, pic credit getty images

[{"selector":"#anim-ea8c9956-4652-4dc1-8df3-e899fc42b730 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(24.172899931821828%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] he has remained a crucial player for the Penguins, leading the team pic credit getty images

[{"selector":"#anim-888f0792-26b0-4884-8367-22a6b70f69fe [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] in average ice time and pacing all Pittsburgh defensemen in points. pic credit getty images