I've always said that Fleury may be the most physically gifted and talented goalie in the NHL. His problem is between his ears, whether it be confidence, lack there of, or the ins and outs of playing goal (positioning, stick handling, etc). If he ever figures out the between the ears stuff, he easily could be the best goalie in the NHL.
- cap1681

I think you've also got to consider the change in goaltenders coach this year. Gilles Meloche was not a very good goaltender coach, IMO. And a few of my friends that were coached by him as well as other goaltenders coaches in the area (back when he was still part-time and not full-time) thought that he was among the worst dedicated-goaltenders coaches that they ever had.

There were a number of guys that were available but didn't have the history with the team to get them the "in" with the organization to even apply for the job. Granted, this was back before a dedicated goaltenders coach wasn't the absolute norm (it's only a phenomenon of the past 5 or 6 years) but I always wondered why they never even considered looking outside of the organization for a better goaltenders coach.

You mean like many Penguins fans wanted (including several people in here)???

That's what makes me sick is that some fans are so ungrateful for what this guy has done for us. And then he struggles in the playoffs for a couple years and all the sudden everyone is calling for his head? He's only human people. And if you want my opinion, the team that played the Flyers that year played just as bad IF NOT WORSE than he did so you can't completely fault him. And not to take anyting away from the Koun because he was spectacular last season in the playoffs, but it's a shame that it took us benching Fleury to wake those guys up because that was a completely different Penguins team that played in front of Vokoun than the one that played in previous games for Fleury.

EDIT: Also, not to take anything away from the Islanders because they were a #8 seed that played like a #3 seed in that series.

Even though he's in his 10th season with us, the guy is still only 28 years old. Which by the way, is right about the age that most NHL goalies hit their prime. So hopefully, the best is yet to come from the Flower.
- Killian

People are ungrateful? As fans what do we owe to Fleury? Just curious.

People are ungrateful? As fans what do we owe to Fleury? Just curious.
- dbell646

Thanks for proving my point

I think you've also got to consider the change in goaltenders coach this year. Gilles Meloche was not a very good goaltender coach, IMO. And a few of my friends that were coached by him as well as other goaltenders coaches in the area (back when he was still part-time and not full-time) thought that he was among the worst dedicated-goaltenders coaches that they ever had.

There were a number of guys that were available but didn't have the history with the team to get them the "in" with the organization to even apply for the job. Granted, this was back before a dedicated goaltenders coach wasn't the absolute norm (it's only a phenomenon of the past 5 or 6 years) but I always wondered why they never even considered looking outside of the organization for a better goaltenders coach.
- ScienceJesus

Interesting point , never thought about the coach

Interesting point , never thought about the coach
- Bradlee3

Most people don't. Gilles has been the goaltenders coach for as long as I can remember. He used to split time with 1 or 2 other guys in the early 00's but became the primary around 2003 or so and became full-time in about 2006 or so. They only called the goaltenders coach in when there was a problem with a goalie prior to about 2005 or 2006. But it's been Gilles since then exclusively until this past off-season.

Thanks for proving my point
- Killian

I validated your point in which way? We some how owe Fleury something because he was paid 5 million dollars and won a cup 4 years ago? And has since been terrible in the playoffs? My opinion this summer was hey if you can get a return on him I'd take it. Doing the same things over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. It's like Troy if you will. I loved him from day 1 I will always remember great moments in his career but I think it's time to move on after this season. Guess you're a way more awesome fan because you blindly follow guys.

I validated your point in which way? We some how owe Fleury something because he was paid 5 million dollars and won a cup 4 years ago? And has since been terrible in the playoffs? My opinion this summer was hey if you can get a return on him I'd take it. Doing the same things over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. It's like Troy if you will. I loved him from day 1 I will always remember great moments in his career but I think it's time to move on after this season. Guess you're a way more awesome fan because you blindly follow guys.
- dbell646

People like you don't even deserve to root for a team like the Pens. Seems like you only like rooting for people when they're doing well...definition of fair weather fan, look it up scrub.

People like you don't even deserve to root for a team like the Pens. Seems like you only like rooting for people when they're doing well...definition of fair weather fan, look it up scrub.
- Killian

LOL tempers are heating around here

People like you don't even deserve to root for a team like the Pens. Seems like you only like rooting for people when they're doing well...definition of fair weather fan, look it up scrub.
- Killian

I think you mat be blind to reality. Just because people are critical of people of their favorite team doesn't mean they aren't rooting for them obviously they want them to play well because it's good for the team. You have to be realistic though and be able to see that someone isn't getting the job done maybe someone else can. To the Fleury thing yes he has been great this season and I don't think the playoff collapses were entirely on him because they were playing bad defense in front of him, however in the playoffs he has let goals in off the boards and off his backside clearly not playing like he is capable of. I wasn't in favor of getting rid of him last offseason because there really wasn't any goalies to replace him with. However I think this years playoffs will make or break him staying here and I believe that it is fair. Coming into this year I expected him to play well if not sensational in the regular season, so we will see what happens when the games really count.

Looking at their stats the Rangers are playing better defensively and Pens offense is playing better last 3 games, something's got to give.

Flyers lost to the Canes 2-1 in overtime. Blew a 1-0 lead in the closing minute. That was a battle of two bad teams and might have been one of the top three worst games of the year.

Flyers lost to the Canes 2-1 in overtime. Blew a 1-0 lead in the closing minute. That was a battle of two bad teams and might have been one of the top three worst games of the year.
- Oneonta Penguin

Maybe, but it was fun seeing Jordan Staal sinking the Flyers with the game tying goal in the last minute of regulation. Good for him, his second goal of the year.

Flyers lost to the Canes 2-1 in overtime. Blew a 1-0 lead in the closing minute. That was a battle of two bad teams and might have been one of the top three worst games of the year.
- Oneonta Penguin

I had to turn it off. Just ugly. Luckily, I turned it back on to see all 3 goals. Good to see Staalsy doing them in.

Giroux.....wow. What happened to that guy? It's like Mike Richards 2.0. Play great, get a big contract then mail it in.

I had to turn it off. Just ugly. Luckily, I turned it back on to see all 3 goals. Good to see Staalsy doing them in.

Giroux.....wow. What happened to that guy? It's like Mike Richards 2.0. Play great, get a big contract then mail it in.
- madmike71

Hurt his wrist and I have no doubt he came back early because he's captain and it's what flyer captains do.

They really should have let him get it right

Hurt his wrist and I have no doubt he came back early because he's captain and it's what flyer captains do.

They really should have let him get it right
- walshy66

I understand how that would impact his shooting, passing and hand skills but mentally he is out of it too. Look at his "coverage" of Staal on the equalizer tonight.

Flyers lost to the Canes 2-1 in overtime. Blew a 1-0 lead in the closing minute. That was a battle of two bad teams and might have been one of the top three worst games of the year.
- Oneonta Penguin

Definitely top three

I understand how that would impact his shooting, passing and hand skills but mentally he is out of it too. Look at his "coverage" of Staal on the equalizer tonight.
- Ben37

I am sure Staal outweighs him by 40lbs. Beast, especially late in games. Remember?

I am sure Staal outweighs him by 40lbs. Beast, especially late in games. Remember?
- powerhouse

Giroux looks very small out there. Also, I noticed he is constantly scared of being hit.

Easy to kick a guy when he is down but Giroux will bounce back. It's been a perfect storm of organizational disarray and injury for him. He is still a very good player.