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PIERRE MCGUIRE'S In the Crease

Defenseman Kris Letang is a major reason the injury-riddled Penguins continue to win. In a 6--5 shootout victory in Toronto last Saturday, he never seemed to leave the ice, playing 32:47. His ability to shoulder a bigger load is one reason Pittsburgh dealt blueliner Alex Goligoski to the Stars for defenseman Matt Niskanen and power forward James Neal. Letang deserves Norris Trophy consideration... . Many in Toronto want coach Ron Wilson to be fired, but he deserves credit for his club's late playoff push. The Maple Leafs (27-27-9 through Sunday) have played with passion during an 8-2-4 run since the All-Star break. Wilson deserves the chance to come back next year whether Toronto makes the postseason or not.

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DAMIAN STROHMEYER (LETANG)