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Flyers rookie Sergei Bobrovsky to start against Pittsburgh tonight

Sergei Bobrovsky

Philadelphia Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, of Russia, blocks a shot in the third period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the New York Islanders, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 3-1. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

AP

In a surprise move, Flyers coach Peter Laviolette announced that Brian Boucher won’t get the start tonight against the Pittsburgh Penguins and will instead run with rookie goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to start tonight. If it seems like a stunning move, it is to a degree, but Bobrovsky played very well in preseason for Philly as the Flyers official PR blog notes.

Bobrovsky led the team in preseason action, appearing in five games and posting a 3-0-1 mark to go along with a 1.76 goals-against average and .939 save percentage in 205 minutes of play, allowing six goals on 98 shots.

Starting a rookie in preseason to see what he’s about is one thing, starting him on the road in Pittsburgh as they open a new arena with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin to deal with is another thing entirely. That’s one hell of a fire to be thrown into.