Vokoun Proves His Worth & Deserves More Starts for Pens

Tomas Vokoun - The Goaltender Worthy
Starting for the Pens

The Pittsburgh Penguins played the game that they needed on Thursday night.  With suffocating defense, and the ability to protect a lead, the Penguins moved their record to 4-3-0.  Sure, there weren't any miraculous plays, there were a TON of whistles, and the mediocre play carried over to both benches.  Regardless, a 3-0 shutout win over an Atlantic Division Rival should never merit an apology in ANY WAY.

What stood out to me while watching the game last night was the pure and simple fact that the Penguins have finally slated themselves with two quality goaltenders.  Sure, Ty Conklin did a good job in the past, and Brent Johnson has done his part helping the team, but with both of those goalies they were simply band aids.  What do I mean by band aids?  They could fill in for the back to back game, and on the outside chance Fleury was hurt, but there was no way they could maintain a level of consistency for a long period of time.  That isn't the case anymore...not since Tomas Vokoun was signed by the Penguins from the Washington Capitals.

I live in Maryland and I love to watch hockey.  Until this season when I purchased the "Center Ice" Package from DirecTV, I had to rely on watching the local team (the Washington Capitals play).  Last season they had Tomas Vokoun on their roster, and when he wasn't injured he was by far their best goaltender.  When the Penguins acquired his services I knew it was a good thing for the entire organization.  He isn't just a goalie that can spell Fleury when he is tired, but can step in if need be and carry the team on his back if Fleury isn't stopping the puck.  This is something the Penguins have lacked since Fleury took over the position.

With all that said, Vokoun has been the standard this season.  Fleury hasn't played poorly, and a large part of Fleury's struggles have been a porous defense in front of him.  Watch the Islanders game and you will see Fleury didn't get much help.  Nonetheless, just like managers in baseball go with "hunches" and the "hot hand", I feel you have to do the same with the Penguins goaltending situation.  Vokoun is coming off a huge shutout win vs the Rangers, and next up are the New Jersey Devils at Consol Energy Center.  This division game is one that Vokoun should be starting.  He deserves that after being a very capable and solid goaltender so far this young season.  It isn't a cut on Fleury as much as it a nod to Vokoun for a job well done.  I would bet Vokoun starts on Saturday and then when the Pens travel to Washington to face the Capitals on Super Bowl Sunday, expect to see "The Flower" between the pipes.  Regardless of how Bylsma plays his hand, I think Vokoun has proven worthy of starting in the cage for the Pittsburgh Penguins.