Penguins: No Chance Without Fleury
By Rich Donahue
Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury’s status for Game 1 vs the New York Rangers remains uncertain.
As the Penguins get set to take on the New York Rangers tonight, the status of Marc-Andre Fleury reminds up in the air. Fleury did practice during Wednesday’s morning skate. He was even the first guy off the ice, a nod given to the game’s starting goalie
But the Penguins have yet to confirm if Fleury will be ready for Game 1. The team still lists him as a game-time decision with concussion like symptoms. Different reports say that he may not be able to suit up for Game 1. If Fleury can’t go, a winnable series goes out the door.
Matt Murray remains day-to-day. He’s already ruled out. This means, unfortunately, Jeff Zatkoff would be your Game 1 starter. Before being sent back to the Baby Penguins, he was a meager 4-7 as the team’s backup. Zatkoff’s best start of the season came in his last win for the Penguins, a 3-2 overtime win at Florida.
He was brilliant in the performance, keeping the Penguins in the game, allowing Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby to tie it at 2 late. Letang won the game in overtime with Zatkoff saving an impressive 42 of 44.
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But prior to his appearance at Philadelphia, his was Zatkoff first game since losing to Tampa Bay February 20th. Murray was called up after the game, putting Zatkoff future with the Penguins in jeopardy. There were no takers. Now he is preparing to start Game 1.
With Zatkoff in net, I have no confidence in the Penguins winning this contest. Even though he played a lot Sunday, the rust is still going to be there for him. This is the biggest game of his life and I do not think he is prepared for what is in front of him.
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Unless the Penguins score five or goals tonight, they have no chance of beating the Rangers in Game 1. Hopefully Fleury or Murray will be ready for Game 2 Saturday or the Penguins could be staring at a 0-2 hole.