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About that Crosby-Bylsma goalie disagreement: There is none

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Yesterday we told you about a report from Pittsburgh Tribue-Review’s Rob Rossi discussing how Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and head coach Dan Bylsma have a difference in opinion on how to handle things with struggling starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. An intriguing story that had a chance to get out of control in the media... If it turned out to be true at all. Crosby was asked about his supposed comments on the situation and he set the record straight about what he said.

On if his feelings on the current goaltending situation have changed since Monday:
I was never asked about the goaltender situation. I was asked about “Flower’s” confidence, and what it would take for him to get his confidence back. That’s why I said he needs to get back into the net in order to do that. I didn’t have an opinion on the goaltending situation. As far as anybody’s confidence, that’s usually what it takes, whether you haven’t scored in a few games or whatever the case is. It usually takes to get into the swing of things to get that back. It doesn’t usually take one game, it takes a few. By no means was I taking any stance or push for a certain goalie to play. I was asked a question. I answered it. My quote was my quote, but I don’t think it was interpreted the same way.

So what have we learned here? We’ve learned that sometimes a writer can make a mountain out of a molehill and create a stir with a team that was already a bit angst-filled considering the situation in goal. After all, Fleury is a popular guy amongst his teammates and seeing him struggle is something the team hates to see. With the team playing a bit inconsistently, the possibility of a rift between the players and the head coach would make for some juicy news. Unfortunately for some folks in Pittsburgh (writers and fans alike), it appears there’s no such thing.

Lost in everything else going on for Pittsburgh is while Fleury works on getting his game back, Brent Johnson is playing steadily well, something which you don’t often get out of a backup goalie. Sure the Pens power play could use a spark but they’re playing well enough as a team aside from that. Besides, if you think the Penguins are going to stay down (or average) for long you might want to take another look at their roster before running with that big idea.