Columbus Blue Jackets will Solve Marc-Andre Fleury in Game 2
Pittsburgh Coach Mike Sullivan announced that Marc-Andre Fleury will start in goal again. The Columbus Blue Jackets must solve Fleury and return home with a win.
The Columbus Blue Jackets will have a second attempt at beating the Flower on Friday. At his post practice press conference, Coach Sullivan announced that Marc-Andre Fleury would be in net again for the Pens.
Coach Sullivan: "Fleury is gonna play tomorrow and Tristan Jarry is gonna back up."
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 13, 2017
Conventional wisdom would say this is good news for the Columbus. Fleury has show plenty of signs of playoff inconsistency in the past.
That being said, the Pens stepped up big time and rallied around the veteran from Quebec. The Penguins have a deep appreciation for the veteran. He has been a consummate professional as rookie Matt Murray has ascended to the top spot in the depth chart.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Solving Fleury
Columbus must solve Fleury, unlike their game one performance. It’s not rocket science either. The CBJ were unable to get the puck into the slot or follow up any rebounds in close range.
The Jackets must make a meaningful effort to get the puck into the slot. Like Torts said in his press conference, give the Pens credit, they did a fantastic job collapsing.
The Jackets spent significant time in practice on Thursday working the puck into the slot as well as shooting for rebounds. Fleury is susceptible to giving up dangerous rebounds and can be beat that way. This all requires the Jackets to force their way into the danger zone.
And it would be great if the power play to get some quality shots. Zach Werenski was able to get some decent shots off but the bodies have to be in the crease and slot in order to beat Fleury.
Get the puck to the slot and crease, capitalize on rebounds, and stuff home a power play goal for the love of all that is holy! It’s not rocket science and I think we will see it executed tonight.