Penguins/NHL
The Fleury/Bylsma Dynamic
Word inside the organization is that head coach Dan Bylsma is prepared to let Brent Johnson and Marc Andre Fleury compete for playing time, at least for the time being.
Bylsma has full control on lineup moves but GM Ray Shero is involved in the decision making. Shero usually lets his head coach handle all of the lineup decisions, however, this is a situation where Shero will likely be actively involved and questions remain whether management will sign off on Brent Johnson to compete with Marc Andre Fleury for playing time.
Bylsma has been frustrated with Fleury’s play dating back to the end of the last season.
For the short-term, Johnson has provided the Penguins a spark and is 2-0-0 on the season with a 1.48 GAA, and .945 SV%.
Heading into tonight’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers, it is not clear who will start in goal as the Penguins cancelled their morning skate.
Bylsma’s comments last night in not committing to Fleury for tonight is significant, even if Fleury ends up getting the start.
There are few situations in this league where a head coach is non-committal about going back to his supposed “franchise goaltender” especially in back-to-back games, not to mention this early in the season.
Fleury is 0-3-0 on the season with a 3.41 GAA and .853 SV%.
