Post-Game Notebook: Fleury answers the bell in Game 1

If game 1 is any indication, the Eastern Conference Finals will be goalie duel between Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc Andre Fleury and Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward.

There has been a lot of talk going into the series that the Hurricanes hold a significant advantage in goal as Ward is a former Conn Smythe Trophy winner and has never lost a playoff series.

As Fleury showed in last year’s second round series against New York’s Henrik Lundqvist, he is up to the task of matching another marquee goaltender save for save.

Fleury made 23 saves in Pittsburgh’s Game 1 win but it was the timely saves that garnered Fleury praise after the game.

“Fleury came up with some timely saves early to settle them down and give them the opportunity to get going, and once they get going they’re a very quick team,” Ward said.

“Unbelievable performance. He’s been there all year for us,” Matt Cooke said.

Fleury was aggressive in the net and his positioning was sound. He was taking away angles and any time the Hurricanes had prime scoring chances in the slot, Fleury was out at the top of crease forcing them to pick corners.

Cam Ward made 28 saves and also put on a strong performance. It is believed the winner of this series may get a leg up on winning a spot on Team Canada’s roster in the 2010 Olympics.

For Carolina, they need Cam Ward to be dominate every night to win this series, whereas Pittsburgh just needs Fleury to make timely saves and play close to even with Ward.

For one night, Fleury matched Cam Ward and is the goaltending advantage really that far of a gap in Carolina’s favor?

Satan scores 1st goal of the playoffs, see’s increased playing time.

Miroslav Satan has made the most of his opportunity since being called up from Wilkes Barre, and after recording four assists in the Washington series, Satan scored his first goal of the playoffs in game 1 of the East Finals on a breakaway goal at 9:17 of the first period.