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Going quietly into the conclusion of the regular season is Mark Letestu and his productive year.
The Oilers centre has 15 goals, 18 assists and 33 points in the 2016-17 campaign. He's one strike above his career goal total and a single point away from his career high. He was always known to be adept in the faceoff circle and on the penalty kill but showed what he could do as a trigger man on the top unit of the power play. Not to be forgotten is his six game-winning goals, two shorthanded markers and 12 power play points.
"Health is always a big thing," Letestu said. "I'm two years removed now from that serious groin injury I had. I had a great opportunity to play on the top unit of the power play where I've had the majority of my success. For me, the career numbers - still one below a point total, only one above a goal total - this isn't a huge breakout year, this is just getting back to my normal level of production and what I know I'm capable of."
The fit is there but Letestu still remains hesitant to say he's comfortable due to the risk of becoming complacent.
"You never really want to be comfortable," Letestu said. "I know my role and who I am as a player and I think that helps. Night to night, my minutes are going to vary and it could vary as much as eight to 10 minutes a night.
"The coaches know where I'm effective and they've played me in those situations, I know what I am as a player and my limitations and I think that helps me out there on the ice."
BLOG: Letestu quietly having sound season
Oilers centre has 33 points and 6 game-winning goals
