I once read, in a book about Roberto Clemente, that he was the kind of guy who, when you'd ask how he's doing, he'd actually tell you. Meaning, when someone politely offered a how-are-you, he'd offer up a mini-monologue on the matter.
I've always liked those kinds. Because they're really just truth-tellers, filter-free flaws and all.
I've always liked that in Kris Letang.
So, on the eve of this, the 53rd season of Pittsburgh's beloved NHL franchise with a 7:08 p.m. Thursday faceoff against the Sabres at PPG Paints Arena, I sat at the stall next to his and sought some of that truth-telling from the best source this locker room's got. Starting with this: What, if anything, has really changed since the last time we saw the Penguins?
Meaning, um, this ...
"I think we had time to clear our heads, maybe, look ahead a little," Letang began. "We've made some changes, obviously. And I think that sent a message to the players in this room that there's a window to win. That we don't have time to waste."
A window?
Whoa, no one ever acknowledges a window in professional sports. If anything, it's precisely the opposite. Even within this building.
I mentioned that back, and Letang looked incredulous.
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