First Post

Welcome to Burgh Hockey. This is a blog site dedicated to our beloved Pittsburgh Penguins. I will try and offer analysis regarding new Penguin news and controversial topics. Also I will try and keep an updated look at local High School Hockey
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Does Fleury deserve a raise?

Marc-Andre Fleury was selected first by the Penguins in the 2003 draft for a reason, lack of depth at goalie. The Penguins have made him their franchise goalie, however with many doubts along the way. The main one being his rebound control.

Game after game Fleury makes tremendous saves that send the crowd into a frenzy. Sliding from post to post, while in a split mind you, all to make a glove save with a flailing arm. However the next game, two shots from the point glaze off his glove and into the back of the net. Which begs the question, Is Fleury a reliable goalie to take this team to the Stanley Cup? This question will be the basis for Fleury's contract negotiations next year.

The answer to this questions is a resounding...Yes. Lets start with some facts. During the 16 straight games the Penguins earned a point, Fleury was arguably the best player for his team. From Jan. 13 through Feb. 18, Fleury played 14 out of the 16 games. Whats even more impressive is Fleury won 12 out of 14, and his loss against Boston on Jan. 18 was outstanding. After Making 40 saves out of 44 shots, the Pens lost the game in a shootout. At the time Crosby was 0/7 in shootouts, and Christensen was the only one who could bury one in the twine. Throughout the stretch, Fleury saw 439 shots, making 399 saves. That results in very respectable .909 save percentage.

Also People are soon to forget that this kid is only 22 years old, and last season was his first full season in the NHL. Not to mention he is playing the toughest position in all of sports. If a forward makes a couple bad passes, or the defense men falls down while on the power play *cough, Gonchar*...the player skates back to the bench and the score is the same. If the goalie makes one mistake it changes the complexion of the game completely. He is going to make mistakes, thats how you learn.

Fleury represents this team as much as Crosby does...Yes its true. What does Crosby represent? Speed, Youth, Leadership. Does Fleury not show these aspects also. He is the fastest goalie in the league, not to mention the flashiest, one of the youngest, and a goalie is always a leader, especially in the defensive end. Like it or not he has a great effect on this team.

So how much will Fleury earn if the Penguins re-sign him? Well, it wont be as much as he wants. Just look at the recent goalie signings. Henrik Lundqvist signed a one year deal worth 4.25 million. Ray Emery signed a 3 year deal, worth 9.5 million, which averages out to be 3.16/year. Both had a better year statistically than Fleury, which will hurt Fleury's leverage in the negotiations. Also Fleury might be inclined to take less due to Crosby not taking the maximum salary during his negotiations. Both parties would be happy with around 3 million a year.

Ultimately Fleury won't make BIG money until he wins a cup. But they way things are looking that won't take long.
-cdubbs