Kris Letang / Evgeni Malkin - Turnover Machines?
Let's spark a little controversy, shall we? Anyone have access to data from this season or know where to get it so that I can create some off-handed metrics, like TO/TOI, splits between forwards and defensemen, and stuff like that? For what it's worth, Statmuse lists Letang with 64 give-aways (same as a turnover?) this year, and Malkin with 56.
I sincerely doubt either of the two players will be moved, and I sincerely believe they deserve to stay, or do whatever they please, but I'll stand back and let that debate play out in the comments section. However, since I do enjoy playing the devil's advocate, I'll leave you all with this gem from a January game in Arizona, and a few brief thoughts. It may not be the offensive zone, blue-line pinches that lead to turn-overs and cause problems for Letang these days. Not in this particular video instance, but I saw him having more difficulty getting the puck out of the defensive zone. Now, if he was playing with a busted finger, and aging legs, that could explain some issues. Some of his passes this year were atrocious. As for Malkin, I feel like he's having to learn when to use bursts of acceleration to manage his surgically repaired legs, and as usual, sometimes his drop passes at the offensive blue-line are... creative. Seems like you kind of have to be a smart guy to play with Malkin, but with Crosby, for instance, if you just play good, traditional, hard-work hockey, you're going to be in good shape. Just my quick take on the subject. Enjoy the video.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------