Ryan Wilson: Training Camp Notes: Fleury Still Tire Fire, Crosby, Letang/Scuderi, Nisky Marc Andre Fleury off to a rough start, Crosby flying, Scuderi/Letang looking good. A potentially a suitor for Niskanen?

Hainssey to a longer term three years deal for 3 million, or Nisky for one year at 2.3 and if it doesn't work, you let him walk? Not so tough choice there. Also, you would be giving up something like a third round pick for Nisky, which isn't that much IMO. No brainer for Carolina to me, but then again, I'm not Rutherford.

A good look at Jean-Sebastian Dea:
http://highlandparkhockey...ves-pens-forward.html?m=1

Who knows what will become of him, but the knock against him was his size, but he has grew and gained a ton of weight the last two years. He seems to have the skill, if he's just physically a late bloomer, he could really be a good pickup for the organization.

He has one more year of junior, he could really fill out by this time next fall.

“@JoshYohe_Trib: Despres looks way out of shape compared to others he was skating sprints with.”

So, yeah...

I truly don't see how Bylsma, Shero, or even the players can trust Fleury AT ALL now. He's been an overrated goalie since he broke into the league, but it's now gotten to the point where he is an average, to mediocre goalie at best. If I'm a Pens fan, it's Vokoun ALLLLLL the way.

I truly don't see how Bylsma, Shero, or even the players can trust Fleury AT ALL now. He's been an overrated goalie since he broke into the league, but it's now gotten to the point where he is an average, to mediocre goalie at best. If I'm a Pens fan, it's Vokoun ALLLLLL the way.
- Flyers_V88

I'm pretty sure they don't? Otherwise Vokoun wouldnt have been signed in the first place.

I'm pretty sure they don't? Otherwise Vokoun wouldnt have been signed in the first place.
- Deadstar

No, but I think the intention all along was to use Fleury as the starter and Vokoun as the spot-starter/back-up. Hasn't Bylsma stated they're going to go back with Fleury once the season starts? Either way, Vokoun's numbers since 2004 have been almost top 5 in the league.

“@JoshYohe_Trib: Despres looks way out of shape compared to others he was skating sprints with.”

So, yeah...
- Ryan_Wilson

Bortuzzo skating with Niskanen, which what looks like it would be a third paring. Despres with Engelland.

The team didn't seem to trust Despres last year, and even though calling him a top 4 defensemen, he's not getting a great start in camp. With Dumoulin in the wings and Mattaa looking closer than maybe they thought, I really don't think that Despres will be here when the season ends.

No, but I think the intention all along was to use Fleury as the starter and Vokoun as the spot-starter/back-up. Hasn't Bylsma stated they're going to go back with Fleury once the season starts? Either way, Vokoun's numbers since 2004 have been almost top 5 in the league.
- Flyers_V88

The intention was to push Fleury and have a backup plan should Fleury bomb in the playoffs again which he did. Vokoun is not a 60+ gp goalie and hasn't been for years.

Everyone can talk all they want about starters, whatever. Whoever is playing better will play. The benefit of having a good backup option.

Bortuzzo skating with Niskanen, which what looks like it would be a third paring. Despres with Engelland.

The team didn't seem to trust Despres last year, and even though calling him a top 4 defensemen, he's not getting a great start in camp. With Dumoulin in the wings and Mattaa looking closer than maybe they thought, I really don't think that Despres will be here when the season ends.
- rival22

Harrington had a good day 1 from what some of the onlookers were saying.

“@JoshYohe_Trib: Despres looks way out of shape compared to others he was skating sprints with.”

So, yeah...
- Ryan_Wilson

Wow that's very disappointing news.

Random thought, any chance the Pens could pick up Gagne?

Random thought, any chance the Pens could pick up Gagne?
- Ledgermain

No room.

I'm pretty sure they don't? Otherwise Vokoun wouldnt have been signed in the first place.
- Deadstar

Add to that, they signed the best college free agent goalie last year, and have drafted 4 goalies in the last 2 years.

Not that any of those drafted goalies will be ready, but this season is Fleury's last chance here.

Besides Brooks Orpik, there really aren't any big contract question marks going into the next offseason. Shero can focus on shoring up the goaltending, and there are a few short term fixes in next summer's UFA pool.

Random thought, any chance the Pens could pick up Gagne?
- Ledgermain

Hell yeah
(said in 2001)

Random thought, any chance the Pens could pick up Gagne?
- Ledgermain

Although I haven't seen or heard this, I would assume the Flyers would try to bring him back now that the Cleary-fiasco has finished. Purely speculation though.

The intention was to push Fleury and have a backup plan should Fleury bomb in the playoffs again which he did. Vokoun is not a 60+ gp goalie and hasn't been for years.

Everyone can talk all they want about starters, whatever. Whoever is playing better will play. The benefit of having a good backup option.
- Deadstar

True, although, I personally think Vokoun could be a full-time starter again. His numbers were actually quite good as a starter, better than Fleury's ever were. Vokoun just didn't have goal-support, but his GAA and especially his SV% are amazing. Check out his numbers from 2003-2011, damn good.

True, although, I personally think Vokoun could be a full-time starter again. His numbers were actually quite good as a starter, better than Fleury's ever were. Vokoun just didn't have goal-support, but his GAA and especially his SV% are amazing. Check out his numbers from 2003-2011, damn good.
- Flyers_V88

He could if he wasnt 37 already.

He could if he wasnt 37 already.
- Deadstar

I would tentatively give him 55 games.

There have been goalies who play into their 40's with a solid workload like Brodeur, Hasek, Belfour etc...

“@JoshYohe_Trib: Despres looks way out of shape compared to others he was skating sprints with.”

So, yeah...
- Ryan_Wilson

John Dwyer syndrome

I would tentatively give him 55 games.

There have been goalies who play into their 40's with a solid workload like Brodeur, Hasek, Belfour etc...
- Ryan_Wilson

I always hated naming starters at any position in any sport prior to camp. Let them fight it out then make a decision.

I always hated naming starters at any position in any sport prior to camp. Let them fight it out then make a decision.
- dbell646

I agree, but I think it's on MAF to overtake Vokoun, not the other way around. If its a "tie" Vokoun would be my guy.

There's nothing wrong with riding a hot hand. Let it sort itself out.

My buddy said he's playing in reverse this year, crapping the bed early on so he can play well in the playoffs.

The intention was to push Fleury and have a backup plan should Fleury bomb in the playoffs again which he did. Vokoun is not a 60+ gp goalie and hasn't been for years.

Everyone can talk all they want about starters, whatever. Whoever is playing better will play. The benefit of having a good backup option.
- Deadstar

Does Hartzell have any chance of making the team now or in the future. He seems to have a great future but will goalies you just never know. How has he looked?