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The Wall33 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 08:48 PM

Just watching Marc Andre Fleury tonight (game 5) as it moves into the 2nd O/T...

WOW! He has seriously developed into a tier #1 goalie and quite possibly THE best goalie in the NHL. Heady words which I do not throw around lightly.

MAF has taken his game to a whole new level (regardless of the outcome tonight). He has almost perfected a blend of athleticism and technique that is extremely effective. His skating, positioning and rebound control is superb. He has established a strong mental presence as demonstrated by his ability to recreate his style. He has stopped over moving around the crease, has simplified his shot preparation sequence (it's still a little too busy for my preference) and his post-save response is sublime.

He is the total package.

I cannot help but compare MAJ to Justin Pogge, as I have noted previously. Pogge, now, is almost exactly where Fleury was 2 years ago. They are both physical 'studs' and their technical game is pretty solid. Fleury has managed to understand the game (ie. is mentally able to analyze and adjust) and has propelled himself to a whole new stratosphere.

For us Leaf fans, let's hope Pogge can realize his full potential and take the Leafs on his shoulders, as MAJ has done with Pittsburgh...

Wellsie

nik133 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 08:51 PM

One question: Who the hell is MAJ?

pens4life29 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Wall33

For us Leaf fans, let's hope Pogge can realize his full potential and take the Leafs on his shoulders, as MAJ has done with Pittsburgh...

Wellsie

Pogge's already taken the first step. He copied Fleury's pads. I mean, that's what changed Fleury's game isn't it?

MetropolisPt31 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 09:05 PM

I have been very impressed with MAF. Like your reference to his shot preparation sequence, there does seem to be just a few minor things he needs to fix but the kid has definitely arrived.

EDIT: OH! Just as I finished, he made a beauty glove save right in front!

The Ghost · #5 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Wall33

He has stopped over moving around the crease,

That 3rd goal looked like it was a result of him over moving on a slide when he should have t-pushed, set, then made a save

rune34 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 09:14 PM

Fleury needs to work on his puckhandling. It's the only part of his game which is bad

Half · #7 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 09:37 PM

Best in the league? Have you been drinking the kool-aid? I mean Fleury has stepped up so he's not a complete liability but sometimes he just looks lost. For being the "best" he sure does let in a lot of soft goals. I guess that's just how I see it.

L7spider · #8 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 09:38 PM

The BEST in the NHL? Aren't you overreacting a bit? He has had a great playoffs and has been unreal this game but I need to see more than one good playoff run to say something like that.

Goalieworld20 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 09:42 PM

he is indeed very good and best in the NHL is an opinion people. i personally believe it is Kipper. yea he had a poor year on his terms but if i had to build a team around anyone in the world it would be him. Luongo is a very close second. i dont even like him, i just respect his skill and hes an awesome guy from what ive seen and heard.

but yes fleury is definately PLAYING like hes the best in the league right now

Oddzilla51 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 10:00 PM

Don't hurt yourself jumping on that bandwagon there, fruitcake.

icecaps · #11 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 10:03 PM

IMO It is still way to early to judge whether or not he has come of age. Remember this is playoff hockey, not the regular season. Meaning that during the playoffs, there are goalies that become hot but disappear the next season.

I agree with Wellsie that he has become better but until I see him play a full season, I am not convinced. How many months did he have to retool his game?

The Wall33 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-02-2008, 10:04 PM

He simply dominated in the game tonight... carried the team on his back... and they won a huge game.

Drinking the Kool Aid? Hardly. I have been a critic of Fleury for a number of years. He has always had the physical talent but was devoid of the mental side to read and anticipate. Since his injury - and his time away from the game - he has 'reinvented' himself. Dropping the sport gold colours was a catharsis, IMO.

Is he perfect? No. Is he the prototype for future goalies? IMO, 100% yes.