A familiar face for the Pittsburgh Penguins got the start in goal for Game 1
It was quite the surprise Wednesday night at PPG Paints Arena as the Pittsburgh Penguins Marc-Andre Fleury was in net instead of Matt Murray. Murray appeared hurt during warm-ups and did not dress for the game. Goalie Tristan Jarry backed up Fleury.
Fleury didn’t disappoint on the night. The Columbus Blue Jackets came out and pushed the pace in the first period. They controlled most of the frame, punishing the Penguins with their physicality and getting 16 shots on goal. Fleury was up to task and stopped them all. In the second, the Penguins fuelled off their goaltender’s performance and pushed back with goals. Fleury ended up stopping 31 of 32 shots in the Penguins 3-1 victory.
It was an unexpected great performance from the 32 year old goaltender. A couple months ago, his future in Pittsburgh was quite uncertain.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Deadline
Let us flashback to the end of February when the March 1st NHL trade deadline was fast approaching. The Pittsburgh media and fans were wondering if Fleury be traded. If he remained, there was potential the team would lose him in the upcoming expansion draft.
The trade deadline passed and Fleury was still a Pittsburgh Penguin. He went on to start 7 more games the rest of the season. In addition he finished the year 18-10-7 with a .909 save percentage.
One More Playoff Run
After Fleury’s solid performance Wednesday, GM Jim Rutherford looked like the smartest man in the building. He held onto Fleury for a situation just like this. The team is comfortable around Fleury, feeling confident in his abilities and experience.
For at least one more night, Fleury was on top of his game. It’s hard to say right now what the rest of the series holds. Head coach Mike Sullivan said after the game they will know more Thursday about Murray’s status. Sullivan and the Penguins can be assured knowing that Fleury has their back. He may just have one last great playoff run in him and that will be a welcome sight for Penguins fans.