Letang Instagram Q&A

Kris Letang took to his Instagram account (@kletang_58) and told fans to ask him questions, and they happily obliged. The Penguins defenseman answered queries starting Sunday night and going throughout all of Monday on a ton of different topics like his love of Formula 1 racing, favorite restaurants, travel destinations and the breakout star of the 2020 All-Star Game (his son Alex). His responses are below...

How's the quarantine?
I miss playing the game, but I enjoyed a lot of family time, which I don't often have during the season.
The videos of Alex at the All-Star Game are my fave. How's he handling quarantine?
He loves family time and home schooling is going well.
How are you staying motivated during the quarantine?
I keep training, play hockey with my son and I keep watching hockey.
Are you on the ice practicing alone?
Not allowed and we have to follow the social distancing guidelines.
What is your workout routine these days?
Riding the Peloton.
What is the first thing you will do once you're out of quarantine?
Go on the ice.
If you could be stuck with one teammate who would it be and why?
Sidney Crosby. First we get along really well but from my experience he has the best sense of survival of all the people I know.
(That works out, because when Crosby
was asked to pick a teammate to be quarantined with
, he said Letang. "I feel like (Letang) is in the know," Crosby said. "I feel like he'd get all the info first. I feel like I'd have a better sense of what was going on if I was stuck with him.")

Who's got the best style on the team?
That's easy. Myself.
Would you ever rock a mullet?
No chance.
Pourquoi tu porte le numero 58? (Translated to: Why do you wear the number 58)?
(I've worn it) since playing junior. I thought it was an original number.
Through the years, what is your favorite Penguins team you played on?
So many great teams, but I would say our 2016 team. And also 2009.
Favorite memory of the Igloo?
Game 4 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Final against Detroit.
Favorite game you played in?
Game 6 vs. Washington in 2016. Crazy finish!
Favorite outdoor game you played in?
Best one was against Buffalo in the 2008 Winter Classic. No visor either.

What's it like playing in Pittsburgh?
It's amazing and we have the best fans!
Which Penguins jersey is your favorite to wear?
The jersey from the 2018 Stadium Series in Philadelphia.
What team did you hope to play for before being drafted by the Pens?
I really just wanted to play in the NHL.
What is your favorite memory from a Pens Foundation event or program?
Being a server for dinner at Skates and Plates.
Funniest Penguins player?
Brandon Tanev.
Who is the loudest on the team?
Also Brandon Tanev.
Who was funnier, Ryan Whitney or Ryan Malone?
Ryan Whitney.
Who talks French on the team?
Sid and Matt Murray.
Who has the hardest shot on the team?
Malkin. Honorable mention to Juuso Riikola.
Which teammate, past or present, would you trust to babysit your kids?
Patric Hornqvist. He's got experience already and I think with all the energy he has, he would keep them entertained.
How's Dan Potash in real life?
He's great. A real nice guy.
Top five players in the league right now?
So many amazing players. These are the ones that come to my head right now: Sid, Evgeni Malkin, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, Patrick Kane.
Best hockey player of all time?
Mario Lemieux. No doubt.

Who was your favorite player growing up?
Pavel Bure.
Hardest player to play against?
Pavel Datsyuk.
Best player from Sweden?
Nicklas Lidstrom.
Best flow in the league?
Erik Karlsson.
Player who has the best social media?
Max Domi.
Favorite hair product?
Jack Henry products.
Favorite city to play in? Besides Pittsburgh of course.
Besides Pittsburgh, back home in Montreal and Madison Square Garden a close second.
If you wanted to play a game in any international city besides the U.S. and Canada, which one would it be?
London.
If you weren't a pro hockey player, what would your career choice be?
Race car driver.
What is your second favorite sport?
Obviously hockey is number one but Formula 1 racing is next.
Who is your favorite F1 driver?
Max Verstappen.
No. 1 thing on your bucket list?
I don't have a ranking, but the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco is one of them.
What's your golf game like? Who is the best golfer on the team?
My golf game is not that great. Justin Schultz (is the best golfer).

What's your favorite pregame meal?
Salmon and vegetables.
Favorite cheat meal?
Sushi. If we consider that a cheat meal!
Top 5 places to go out to eat in Pittsburgh?
1) Poulet Bleu 2) Tako 3). Butcher and the Rye 4) Fish Nor Fowl 5) Meat and Potatoes.
What is your favorite restaurant of all-time?
Taverna Trilussa in Rome. And also L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Montreal.
Favorite restaurants in Montreal?
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Jatoba, La Vie La Vie Comptoir Sante, Park Restaurant, Maiko Sushi, La Station Organique and the Crown Salts restaurant group.
Favorite fruit?
Mango and raspberries.
Tacos or pizza?
Tacos (from Tako).
Favorite candy?
Coffee Crisp.
Favorite Gatorade flavor?
Glacier Cherry.
What natural drink for your post workouts would you recommend?
Pure Maple Water. It's also the best-tasting natural drink out there!
Alcohol of choice?
Red wine.
What is your favorite wine?
Masseto wine.
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Hazelnut gelato at Grom in Rome.
Pancakes or waffles?
Pancakes.
How do you take your coffee?
Drip and black, thanks to the master, our strength coach Alex Trinca.
Who is your favorite Steelers player?
Ryan Shazier.
Favorite MMA fighter?
Conor McGregor and Georges St-Pierre.
Quel est le meilleur spectacle auquel vous avez assiste? (Translated to: What is the best show/concert you have ever seen?)
Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Favorite song that gets you hyped up for a game?
"Can't Stop" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Favorite movie?
The Wolf of Wall Street.
Favorite actor of all time?
Jim Carrey and Leo DiCaprio.
Favorite binge-worthy show?
Californication.
Favorite song right now?
Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish.
Favorite color?
Blue.
Favorite animal?
Black panther.
Do you have animals?
One dog, a Golden Retriever named Buddha.
Favorite holiday?
Christmas.
Favorite vacation spot?
Amalfi Coast in Italy.
What is your favorite thing to do in the offseason?
Traveling with the family.
Favorite Russian in the league right now?
Evgeni Malkin.
Which Halloween costume with the wife did you enjoy the most?
When I went as Bill Turner from Pirates of the Caribbean and Catherine went as a mermaid.

How do you mentally prepare yourself coming back from an injury?
I work out and practice until I can feel I'm going 100 percent to make sure I'm not hesitant out there.
Do you still experiment with equipment?
We always do because companies always evolve!
Best hockey sticks?
Easton Stealths.
Best workout during this quarantine?
Go check out my good friend Jon Chaimberg on his Instagram page for live workouts.
Why did you name your daughter Victoria?
Victoria was always my favorite girl name. My wife likes classic names and she likes the meaning of Victoria, so we went with that name.
What do you miss the most about Canada during the regular season?
Family, friends, food, lots of snow.
Would you rather be able to fly or be able to breathe underwater?
Fly for sure.