I Possible Truth About Fleury

by Dr Tre on Jun 8, 2009 8:10 AM EDT

I must predicate this post with saying that of the four goalies the Pens have faced this playoff year I would take "The Flower" over all of them, except Cam Ward who played through the Eastern Conference Final with an ailing back that limited his ability to play at his best.

With that being said I think it is time for Pens fans to come to the realization that what you see in Fluery is what you get. He is the type of goaltender who has the talent to win games and even series for you, while at the same time lacks the mental fortitude to do it consistantly. Perhaps that will come with age, but for right now I have conceded to the fact with Fluery you just don't know what you are going to get night in and night out.

Seriously, ask yourself this question, "What do you expect MAF to be like on Tuesday night?" I will be honest in saying I just don't know. Does he come back and redeem himself from a dreadful showing in Game 5 or was that game the nail-in-the-coffin for the season? A rational and logical arguement can be made for either case, or something in between. With Fluery, you just don't know and there in lies the frustration.

I know us Pens fans still view Fluery as a kid, but he is 24 years old and has been in the league for several years, including three playoff seasons. I think there is enough of a sample to reach a conclusion in this guy. He was great in juniors, but "shit-the-bed" in big moments, Team Canada anyone? He has won games and series for the Pens, but has also played a major role in losing series as well.

Do you know what we may have with Fluery, the reincarnation of Tom Barrasso. Tommy won two Cups for the Pens (91 and 92), but he is also the reason why the Pens didn't win two more (93 and 96)

What do you think Penguin nation?

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Meh

I don’t know if it is mental fortitude as much as his style of play. He moves around so much that when he’s on, it helps him get to pucks that should be goals. But when he is off, his movement can open up the net for opposing teams. He sometimes looks like a beached whale flopping around in the crease on his bad days.

I’d also like to throw in my two cents on his performance Saturday night: even if Flower plays really well, that’s probably a 3-0 game. The defense disappeared in the 2nd and Detroit was executing cross ice passes right in front of the net with no resistance. Fleury could have played much better than he did, but it wouldn’t have made much of a difference with the dreadful offense and defense displayed that night.

by CarlWeathersMustache on Jun 8, 2009 9:06 AM EDT reply actions

That’s a superbadass screenname. Well done.

-David
sixminutecynic.blogspot.com
www.piratesmix.com.

by pascaldupweevil on Jun 8, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions

A lot has been said of Fleury’s performance in Game 5. I think he let in a soft goal or two but as many have pointed out in the comments here, his defense wasn’t exactly jumping on the opportunity to help him out. Plus, and it’s not that I expect any team to fire back when down 5-0, but even his offense was unable to muster up a single goal. I think I agree with the majority who have said it was just a poor team effort.

Fleury, at times, looks absolutely unstoppable. Others he looks as if a peewee could score on him. I guess that comes with the territory when your team has a younger goalie. I definitely think Game 6 is going to call for Fleury’s best though…

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by FrankD on Jun 8, 2009 9:20 AM EDT reply actions

Nail on the head

you got it dead right – flower just isn’t a consistent performer, case closed. that’s not to say he’s not a great goalie… as we all know and see, when he’s on, he’s unbeatable (can you say OV on the breakaway in game 7 vs the caps?). but the problem is, when he’s off, he tunes out and stops playing (and i’m not putting game 5 on him… goalies don’t lose 5-0, teams do).

i’ve been watching him his whole career (pre-team canada as well) and we much as i thought he was special, that’s been his #1 criticism time and again…it’s part of his DNA. but many great goalies in the league’s history have been inconsistent. you can’t tell me roy was a model of consistency(statue of liberty anyone?)? or belfour? or fuhr? all cup and vezna winners. as long as the good streaks out number the bad ones, he’ll be fine. the thing that outweighs his inconsistency is his competitive nature and burning passion to win, and that too was common to the above 3.

HOWEVER, the truly great goalies combine consistency with great play. enter brodeur, hasek (i can’t believe i wrote that… i can’t stand the dominator) and luongo (he’ll get a cup i’m sure… but he’ll have to leave vancouver to do it).

LET’S GO PENS! PENS IN 7!!!!!

by TO Pensfan on Jun 8, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

i wouldnt define him how you did

to borrow a quote from Bylsma’s counterpart on the steelers:

Together we all eat. The line allows the linebackers to rush and the rush makes the coverage better.

if you want to blame this series and last year’s series on someone, look no further than our 2 superstars & the pride of our team: Sid & Malkin. Malkin disappeared last year. and Sid, except for ONE game outta 5, hasnt been converting with his opportunities. it’s kinda hard to win a series when your #1 goal scorer in the playoffs has scored one goal all series.

by t1mmy10 on Jun 8, 2009 2:49 PM EDT reply actions

timmy has a good point. What’s worse? the 5 GA? or the 0 GF? Fleury could have pitched a 1-hitter, and it’s still a shutout for Osgood if Pittsburgh’s skaters lay an egg.

-David
sixminutecynic.blogspot.com
www.piratesmix.com.

by pascaldupweevil on Jun 8, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions