Defenseman Kris Letang struggled in game 1 and during warmups of game 2, defenseman Philippe Boucher took all of the reps with Mark Eaton who is Letang’s D-Partner as it was widely believed Bylsma considered scratching Letang in place of Boucher.
After a subpar performance in game 2, Bylsma used Philippe Boucher with the 1st power play unit in Tuesday’s morning skate, speculation grew this afternoon that Boucher could replace Letang in the lineup for game 3.
Putting the pressure on Letang to perform better, it led to Letang playing his best game of the playoffs, Tuesday night.
Early in the game Letang was aggressive, pinching in the offensive zone and made a key keep in at the blue-line, which led to Max Talbot’s first period goal at 4:38 of the first.
Later in the first, Letang scored on the power play to tie the game at 2-2.
Letang finished the game with a goal and an assist and he was playing Dan Bylsma’s system to perfection, being aggressive in the offensive zone and jumping up in the play.
Pittsburgh will need the same consistent performance the rest of the way.