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Pittsburgh Penguins: Don’t Forget About Marc-Andre Fleury

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

May 17, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Derick Brassard (19) carries the puck past Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) in the first period in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators forward Derick Brassard (19) carries the puck past Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) in the first period in game three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Pittsburgh Penguins are going with Matt Murray in game seven.

With Matt Murray starting for the Pittsburgh Penguins recently, it seems as though everyone has been forgetting about the one who has gotten us this far.

Marc-Andre Fleury, who came in cold in relief of an injured Matt Murray before the playoffs started, has taken us this far through his solid play.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins /

Pittsburgh Penguins

But with Matt Murray’s return, it seems as though everyone has already forgotten about what Fleury did to get us here. Everyone instead wants to praise Murray for his recent efforts.

Nothing against Murray here. He is an amazing goalie and he will bring us success. But credit should be given where it is due. And after an amazing performance this far by Fleury, he deserves praise. He doesn’t deserve to be overshadowed by Matt Murray once again.

Looking at the Numbers

Fleury has done amazingly this far. He has posted a 9-6 record with a 2.56 goals against average and a .924% save percentage in these playoffs. He is tied for the league lead in shutouts with two, and overall, he has just played great.

Looking at these stats, it’s easy to see that he deserves some praise. Matt Murray puts up great numbers too. However, to come in cold and to save the team when they needed him is something that isn’t exactly shown through numbers.

Moving Forward

Everyone seemed to want to trade Fleury at the trade deadline this year. After all, his NTC on his contract makes him ineligible to be unprotected in the upcoming expansion draft, meaning Matt Murray will likely be open for Las Vegas to pick up.

If this is the case and Matt Murray is forced to leave the Penguins, Fleury will go back to being our number one goalie. If this happens, I’m sure he wouldn’t want to always be compared to Matt Murray. It’s time he starts getting the praise he deserves and stops being overlooked by the younger goalie. Let’s be grateful we have two great goalies right now and look forward.

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