When Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan addressed the media following the team’s on-ice practice Sunday morning, he immediately answered the big question at the top of everybody’s mind- which goaltender would start in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The answer- Marc-Andre Fleury. This will be Fleury’s second appearance of the 2016 National Hockey League playoffs and his first start of the postseason.
The last time Marc-Andre Fleury started in net for the Pens was on March 31st, a night when he would sustain his second concussion of the year, sidelining him until for quite some time. He would return to the Penguins line-up serving as backup for Matt Murray in the Penguins’ second round match-up against the Washington Capitals. Fleury came in as relief for the rookie goaltender Matt Murray (Who has started each of the past 13 playoffs games this year), in Pittsburgh’s 4-3 loss in Tampa on Friday.
“Lots of things went into the decision,” Sullivan told NHL.com. “I’d rather not elaborate on the details of it, but certainly we had lengthy discussions. It’s an important decision for our hockey team. We’re trying to make the best decisions that we can, that we think give our team the best chance to win. That’s the route or direction we chose to take for this game.”
Sullivan also answered another major question that both reporters and fans had in mind- that being the fate of defenseman Trevor Daley. In Game 4 on Friday, Daley was involved in a collision with Lightning forward Ryan Callahan. Daley would go down and would need assistance in getting off the ice. He would later been seen leaving Amalie Arena on crutches. Sullivan confirmed that Daley suffered a broken left ankle and would miss the remainder of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The loss of Daley is a big one for the Pens.
“On a personal level, I feel badly for Trevor because I know how important this is to him and what it means to him and what he’s brought to this team,” Sullivan said. “It’s emotional for him. He’s a terrific kid. He’s brought a lot to this hockey team.” (Via NHL.com)
Though Sullivan did not say who would be filling in for the injured Daley, it is speculated that Olli Maatta will take his place. Maatta has been a healthy scratch the past three games after having a rough start in the Pittsburgh/Tampa Bay series. “Olli’s been a big part of this team for a long time,” Sullivan said. “He’s been a top four defenseman for this team all season long. He’s done a terrific job for us and when he keeps his game simple, I think that’s when he’s at his best.”
Game 5 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Tampa Bay Lightning is tonight at 8 pm EST. Tune in to see Fleury in-between the pipes, as well as who will fill that empty defensive spot.
Main Photo: SUNRISE, FL – FEBRUARY 15: Olli Maatta #3 looks on as Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Pittsburgh Penguins defends the goal against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on February 15, 2016 in Sunrise, Florida. The Panthers defeated the Penguins 2-1 in a shoot out. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
