The Pittsburgh Penguins' kryptonite this postseason has been their goaltending. While the team had a true star in Marc-Andre Fleury during the regular season, he has proved wildly ineffective throughout much of the first round of the playoffs. He gave up many questionable shots that cost the Penguins a few games. After being benched, Tomas Vokoun emerged as the hot hand and Pittsburgh will continue to go with the veteran, giving him the start for Game 1 against Ottawa.
During the first round, in three games Fleury gave up 14 goals. The goalie has developed a reputation for not being able to perform well in the postseason after he gave up 26 goals in the first round against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins had seen enough and moved on to the veteran, Vokoun.
Vokoun was obviously not the main reason that Pittsburgh got out of the first round, but he played a large part. The Penguins originally brought him in for this specific purpose. After replacing Fleury, Vokoun posted a shutout in Game 5 and recorded 35 saves in Game 6. He was able to withstand some poor defensive work from Pittsburgh and help get the team the series win.
As Vokoun is named the starter for the second round, what does this mean for Fleury's future with the Penguins? Currently, Fleury has two years remaining on his contract that is a $5 million hit on the salary cap. Thanks to the new collective bargaining agreement, Pittsburgh can get out of that contract and send Fleury to the market. Given his recent performances in the net, it is unsure what he is worth now, despite being a one-time Stanley Cup Champion.
If Vokoun continues to play well, the Penguins will be forced to make a decision on Fleury once the offseason hits. Do they get rid of the guy that was once supposed to bring long-term success to the team? Because of his contract, a trade will be hard to find. The goalie ranks relatively high on the list of the worst contracts in sports. Pittsburgh would be forced to buy out his remaining two years and move on.
The next few games could really tell a lot of Fleury's future. If Vokoun struggles and he can step in and be the No. 1 guy again, then Pittsburgh has nothing to worry. However, if he does not, he might be cleaning out his locker for good.
