Game 1 Morning Skate Buzz: Vokoun to remain in goal; Engelland expected in

SENATORS – PENGUINS MORNING SKATE BUZZ

Much of the discussion going into tonight’s game 1 matchup between the Penguins and Senators had centered around whether head coach Dan Bylsma would actually go back to Marc Andre Fleury for the start of the series after Tomas Vokoun carried the Penguins to wins in Game 5 and Game 6 against the Islanders.

As expected Bylsma and the Penguins are sticking with Tomas Vokoun in goal tonight for Game 1.

In what is believed to be an organizational decision, it’s a sign that the No. 1 job is Tomas Vokoun’s to lose in the post-season. I’ve felt coming in that going to Fleury for Game 1 would be a disaster of a situation as the pressure would be significant for him. One bad goal and everyone would immediately be calling for Vokoun.

The best case scenario for Fleury is to come in were Vokoun to falter not replace him when he’s become the clear go to option.

The only lineup change from Saturday night’s Game 6 will be Deryk Engelland rejoining the lineup and Simon Despres coming out.

The Penguins see the need to add a physical presence which has Engelland re-entering the lineup.

TONIGHT’S EXPECTED LINEUP

Pascal Dupuis (5G-2A-7Pts) – Sidney Crosby (3G-6A-9Pts) – Jarome Iginla (2G-7A-9Pts)

Chris Kunitz (2G-3A-5Pts) – Evgeni Malkin (2G-9A-11Pts) – James Neal (1G-0A-1Pts)

Brenden Morrow (0G-1A-1Pts) – Brandon Sutter (1G-1A-2Pts) – Matt Cooke (0G-0A-0Pts)

Craig Adams (0G-1A-1Pts) – Joe Vitale (0G-1A-1Pts) – Tyler Kennedy (1G-1A-1Pts)

Brooks Orpik (1G-0A-1Pts) – Paul Martin (1G-5A-6Pts)

Matt Niskanen (0G-1A-1Pts) – Kris Letang (2G-4A-6Pts)

Douglas Murray (2G-0A-2Pts) – Deryk Engelland (0G-0A-0Pts)

GOALTENDER

Tomas Vokoun (2-0, 1.41 GAA, .957 sv%)