by Defence21 on Tue Feb 14, 2006 4:59 pm
This is just a summary reply to everyone in this thread.
First off, Fleury played in the NHL in his rookie season. Name anothet goalie that was given that kind of opportunity? He didn't do so hot, though he was respectable for an 18 year old. The Pens wanted to save money, considering they were going nowhere, so they sent him to to the World Junior Championships (and possibly back to juniors) and then to WBS.
While in the Junior Championships, he gave up a horrible goal that essentially cost his team. That was just the start of his poor performances in critical moments. He then went to WBS and was put on the backburner because Chiodo was hot. When Fleury did get a chance to play he didn't show anything, so Therrien went back to the hot hand -- Chiodo.
Coming into this season Fleury had played relatively well in WBS, though he certainly had not dominated. Common sense tells you that if a goalie (or any player) can't dominate in the AHL, there is little chance of it happening in the NHL. So CP went out and got a relatively cheap backup goalie who was an all star two seasons ago. Fleury didn't prove himself in camp, so he was sent down to WBS. He's in the NHL now and getting a fair shot. Please tell me another goalie who is a starter in the NHL at age 21. You won't find one. There are younger goalies in platoon roles, but no starters. Now, tell me of another goalie who played at age 21 or younger and did well. Dipietro? No...was in the minors. Luongo? Nope, he stunk.
It simply doesn't happen that often. To expect a 21 year old to carry this team in goal was ridiculous. Sure, he was a first overall pick, but that means squat when it comes to experience. He has very little, meaning a veteran is a smart idea. In hindsight, Thibault wasn't the right man for the job. But I can tell you that if they had signed any other goalie, Fleury would not be starting right now, barring injury.
Lastly, I'll comment on the money issue. Fleury has spent time in WBS for two reasons. He hasn't played extremely well down there or in the NHL and he has a huge contract that management felt wasn't worth paying when the team is losing. Fleury knows this. I think is he much better served having spent signficant time in the AHL. He certainly has benefitted. So now I'll say this: What happened in the past is in the past. Why keep droning on and on about something that may or may not have been right? The fact is, he is in the NHL right now and doing decently well given the circumstances. He's young -- even still, for a goalie in the NHL -- it's as simple as that.