Marc-Andre Fleury should start for Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 3

The crowd at CONSOL Energy Center chanted Marc-Andre Fleury’s name as he came on the ice to replace Tomas Vokoun, who gave up three goals on 12 shots. Two of the goals came off of turnovers, with the first happening 28 seconds into the game.

Fleury had a great chance to get back in the good graces of his teammates and the fans. However, he would not fare much better giving up three goals on 17 shots. Fleury would give up a goal on the very first shot that he saw.

Jun 3, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against the Boston Bruins during the third period in game two of the Eastern Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Boston Bruins won 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

“It felt a little bit rusty, you know? It’s been a while,” he said. “To jump right into a playoff game is a little bit different than practice.”

Which brings up the question: who do the Penguins start in goal for Game 3 on Wednesday in Boston?

Coach Dan Bylsma would not comment on the topic, saying that it was tough to evaluate both Fleury and Vokoun’s play given how the team played in front of them.

Bylsma would also go on to say that the person who plays will give them the best chance to win game three.

That person is Fleury. Vokoun hasn’t played well since the Game 3 loss to the Ottawa Senators. His shaky play was overshadowed by the Penguins offense scoring 13 goals in the last two games vs. Ottawa.

In his career with the Penguins, Fleury has won 20 or more games six times including the past five seasons. Year after year this man puts the team on his back and carries the team to the playoffs.

While he has seen his struggles in the playoffs over the last few years, Fleury is the best they have. And if you are going to go down, you better go down with your best in the net.

However, it doesn’t matter who they put in the net if the team can’t control zone time and stop turning the puck over.

Boston dominated the first two games in every aspect. The Penguins need a change to get back in the series and it starts with giving Fleury back his starting job.