The Pittsburgh Penguins were expected to roll against the New York Islanders in their first-round series of the Stanley Cup playoffs. That hasn’t been the case, however, and the reason is pretty clear.
Goaltending.
Marc-Andre Fleury has been shaky once again, and after giving up six goals Tuesday night in Game 4, the Pens are making a change in net. Pittsburgh head coach Dan Bylsma announced Wednesday that Tomas Vokoun, not Fleury, will be in the net for Game 5 on Thursday.
Fleury has given up 14 goals in four games in the first-round series. The Islanders won Game 4 on Long Island 6-4, allowing three goals in the third period. Fleury was victimized for 26 goals last postseason in the team’s first-round loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. Going back two years, Fleury gave up 13 goals in the final three games of a series with Tampa Bay, meaning he’s allowed 59 goals in his last 13 playoff games.
Vokoun hasn’t appeared in the playoffs since 2007 with Nashville. He went 1-4 with a 2.96 goals-against average. He’s 3-8 with a 2.47 GAA and .922 save percentage in 11 playoff appearances. Vokoun appeared in four games this season against New York, making three starts. He was 3-0-0 with a 0.90 goals against average and a .970 save percentage.
