CRANBERRY, Pa. -- It might seem, at first blush -- and perhaps the second and third, as well -- like an improbable partnership.
Perhaps even a risky one.
After all, Kris Letang and Mike Matheson are both defensemen who have major offensive components to their game.
They skate very well. Can shoot the puck. Are able to take a wide-angle view of what's transpiring around them.
Pairing either with someone who plays a reliable, defense-oriented game -- say, a Brian Dumoulin type -- gives him the latitude to get involved in the offense when the opportunity arises, confident that his partner will cover for him.