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Columbus Blue Jackets 3 Reasons Why They Will Comeback

By Lansing Murphy

Apr 16, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno (71) during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Nick Foligno (71) during the third period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /
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#3: Marc-Andre Fleury is Shaky

Columbus Blue Jackets
Apr 12, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) looks on against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period in game one of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena. The Penguins won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Marc-Andre Fleury started the series out in an heroic manner. After the injury to Matt Murray in Game one warm ups, Fleury came into the game and played magnificently. Fleury stopped 31 of 32 shots and led his team to a decisive game one victory.

Game two was even more impressive. Fleury singlehandedly won the game by saving 39 of 40 CBJ shots. Without Fleury this series is tied 1-1 heading back into Columbus. Since then though, Fleury has shown signs of old playoff Fleury.

His save percentage has dipped from .972 in the first two games down to .892 in game three. In game four that percentage dropped again to .853 as he allowed five goals on 34 shots. He is regressing and starting to show signs of classic playoff Fleury.

He could return home and put up great numbers again. Or he could continue to regress. I think that the Jackets are beginning to solve Fleury and playing a more simple offensive style that is finding cracks. He has faced a lot of shots thus far and could be wearing out after not being used to this big of a workload during the regular season.

Like the fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins, I don’t have faith in Fleury in the playoffs. Expect him to continue his decline and for the Jackets to take advantage.

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