The groans from Pittsburgh Penguins fans can be heard for miles. After falling into a 2-0 deficit to start of their Eastern Conference finals run, the top-seeded team was hoping for a lineup change. The team needed something to hopefully switch the momentum in their favor. After getting the hook early in Game 2, it was assumed that Tomas Vokoun's postseason run was over. However, the goaltender confirms that he will be back in the net for Game 3.
The Penguins were shutout in Game 1 against the Boston Bruins. Head coach Dan Bylsma laughed off the idea of a possible switch at goatender. Then in Game 2, Vokoun allowed three goals in the first period and was yanked for Mac-Andre Fleury. He then allowed three goals himself. While neither goalie has gotten much help from their surrounding teammates, bringing back Fleury could bring a good change to Pittsburgh.
Fleury was originally replaced by Vokoun during the team's opening series against the New Yokr Islanders. Fleury appeared shaky to start the postseason and Vokoun stepped in to balance the team out. It was reported that Fleury was looking strong again during practices, leaving many to believe he could see a return to action in Game 3.
Fleury has a good track record playing in Boston. He went 4-1 in his last five games at TD garden, recording a solid .954 save percentage. However, Bylsma is not yet prepared to give up on Vokoun just yet.
Pittsburgh's problems so far in the Eastern Conference finals span much farther than the goaltending. During the regular season, the Penguins were one of the highest-scoring teams, now they have gone cold against Tuukka Rask. The Penguins have managed just one goal in the last two games. Both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been held to nothing and Pittsburgh is in desperate need for the two to get going.
The Penguins are letting frustration start to creep in. The team that once recorded a 15-game win streak during the regular season seems to be long gone. They won all three meetings against the Bruins during the regular season, but look far from that team during this series.
