“FLEURY! FLEURY! FLEURY! ,” the chants echoed through the now vacant Mellon Arena. The dreadful Pittsburgh Penguins savior had arrived. The date was October 10, 2003 and the youngest goalie to play in NHL history just dazzled his fans with a magical 46 save performance against the Los Angeles Kings. The 3-0 loss meant little to hockey fans in Pittsburgh; this was the beginning of a new era. Fans of the Penguins had been going through rough times. The future of the Penguins in Pittsburgh was still in jeopardy as bankruptcy talk and relocation rumors were a more common occurrence than wins. The cash stripped Penguins were forced to trade superstar Jaromir Jagr along with fan favorite Alexei Kovalev strictly for financial reasons. Back to back seasons in the basement of the Atlantic division only added to the despair. The Penguins moved up to the first pick in the 2003 NHL draft to rest their hopes on a better future in Marc-Andre’ Fleury. One game into this future and the future appeared to shine bright.

     The fairy tale continued in the first month as Fleury posted a 2-2-2 record, 1.96 GAA, .943 save percentage. These numbers were good enough to earn him rookie of the month in October. As the season progressed Fleury’s performance began to falter. The Penguins lent Fleury to the 2003-2004 World Junior Championship believing the experience would be good for their young netminder. It was here that disaster struck. Team Canada was up 3-1 against Team USA after the second period in the gold medal game. Three third period goals later and Fleury was the goat of USA’s improbable comeback victory. Upon return to Pittsburgh, with his second consecutive silver medal, the Penguins sent Fleury back to his junior team for financial reasons.

     Seven years later much has changed for Pittsburgh. The 18 year old boy from Quebec is now a 25 year old man. The Penguins’ future in Pittsburgh is secured with the brand new Consol Energy Center. The title of savior of the Penguins now belongs to Sidney Crosby. With the help of the remarkable play by Fleury in the playoffs, the Penguins already have one more Stanley Cup and talk of dynasty has replaced the uncertain future. It has not been all roses for the “Flower.” The roller coaster ride has included call-outs and rumors of a feud with former head coach Michel Therrien. Fleury battled a goal-tending controversy with overachieving journey man Ty Conklin. All of this was supposed to be in the past following Fleury’s remarkable play in the 2009 playoffs and the Stanley Cup that came along with his performances. The talented, unpolished Fleury had finally arrived.

     Following a mediocre 2009-2010 season that ended with the debacle of losing to the 8th seeded Montreal Canadians Fleury is once again at another low point. The 2010-2011 season has already seen Fleury lose all three of his games. This includes a forgettable performance against Toronto and allowing a soft game winning goal against Montreal. The Penguins now seem intent on riding the hot hand of journeyman goal tender Brent Johnson. Following four straight solid performances no one can blame them.

     How can someone with so much talent show so much inconsistency? Fleury has shown flashes of brilliance, but continues to be plagued with games that make you wonder how he is so highly regarded. One has to wonder if Penguins goaltending coach Gilles Meloche is partially to blame. Meloche was given the opportunity to coach up an amazing raw talent, but instead Fleury’s play has regressed during Meloche’s tenure. Others question Fleury’s mental toughness.  People wonder if the happy go lucky French Canadian is tough enough to endure the rigors of an NHL season. I do not believe this is the case, as one does not play as well in the post season as Fleury did in both 2008 and 2009 if they are not mentally tough. Fleury has also risen from adversity multiple times. Remember his game 6 and 7 performances against Detroit after being embarrassed in game 5? Fleury does appear to occasionally lose focus. One thing that is for sure is Fleury needs to perform on a more consistent basis in order to live up to his promise.

     Can Brent Johnson really be the man in Pittsburgh this season? Conventional wisdom says no. The recent history of the NHL states differently. Former journey man goalies have led teams on amazing runs. Tim Thomas won the 2009 Vezina Trophy. The Penguins remember the run Jaroslav Halák had for the Montreal Canadians. Neither goalie in the Stanley Cup Finals last season had the best reputation heading into the playoffs (Antti Niemi and Michael Leighton). The goalie position has been quite strange across the league. Johnson’s success is not completely a flash in the pan. After a rough start to his career he has strung together three solid seasons in a backup role. “Johnny”, as his teammates effectively call him, has done everything asked of him.

     I still feel Fleury will eventually take the reins as the Penguins goalie this season. He is their franchise five million dollar goalie. He has led them to two Stanley Cup Finals appearances. I believe this will be another Ty Conklin situation as the Penguins ride the hot hand until Fleury takes back his starting job. Fleury will be given another chance, and he better make the best of it or Brent Johnson could take the job from Fleury and never look back.

Other News Around the League

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Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

     After a rough start the defending champs reminded us they still have Johnathan Toewes, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Marian Hossa, and Patrick Sharp. Despite their losses in the offseason, the Blackhawks have looked good in three straight victories. Marty Turco has also looked impressive.

Free Falling

     I am glad I was able to give props to the Oilers after the first week of the season. It appears that will be the last time I will be able to praise the Oilers. Back to back losses and the Oilers look like the Edmonton team we remember. I still like the youth movement they are building in Edmonton, but just not for this season.

Strangest Moment of the Week

     Vancouver Canuck Rick Ryipen was suspended indefinitely after grabbing a Minnesota Wild fan while heading to the dressing room. I am sure Ryipen was provoked, but PROFESSIONAL athletes need to show more restraint. It will probably be a little while until we see Ryipen on the ice.