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Pittsburgh Penguins Talk: Who Is Our Round 2 X-Factor?

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Apr 27, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) celebrates with teammates after the Penguins' game against the Washington Capitals in game one of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) celebrates with teammates after the Penguins' game against the Washington Capitals in game one of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 20, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Matt Calvert (11) shoots the puck wide of Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Pens won the game 5-2 and the series 4 games to 1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Matt Calvert (11) shoots the puck wide of Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the third period in game five of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Pens won the game 5-2 and the series 4 games to 1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Matthew Rodrigopulle

For me, my choice for the Penguins X-factor hasn’t changed from the first round.

Marc-Andre Fleury was doubted all season. Matt Murray was given starts ahead of him, and his place in Pittsburgh was often questioned.

Well now, with Matt Murray suffering a sudden injury at the most unruly time before round one, Fleury had to step in and takeover the Penguins goaltending. And he has done exactly that, and he’s done it effectively as every.

Round one saw Fleury shutting down the Columbus Blue Jackets a ton of times. He may not have had the best numbers, but he definitely did his part in keeping the Penguins in games.

Next: These Washington Capitals Aren't That Scary

Heading into round two, Fleury will have to be as solid as he was in round one, and I fully expect him to be as good, if not better. Fleury is a proven playoff performer, and as of right now, he has been heavily underrated. Watch for him to take all that neglect he’s received during the year and turn it into great performances now that he has gotten an opportunity.

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