OFFENSIVE PLAY

LETANG IS A SMARTER player offensively than Byfuglien. Letang can get the puck to his offensively gifted teammates in transition at regular strength and as a point man on the power play.

His game has changed this season, however: he seldom looks to join the rush and doesn’t carry the puck nearly as much. His shot is accurate but has very average velocity, and he’s usually looking to pass first anyway when he’s in the offensive zone. The Penguins rely on shrewd decision making with the puck to open up scoring opportunities, especially on the power play. Byfuglien carries the puck much more than Letang. He looks to join the rush more often. He is more likely to unleash his booming shot from the point as a first option. Winnipeg’s transitional offense relies on its big forwards hitting top speed through the neutral zone and driving to the net. Byfuglien is a key factor in allowing his forwards to play this style and to support them. EDGE: NEITHER