Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has often been a lightning rod for criticism, especially since he’s had some low moments in the playoffs. Wednesday won’t exactly help matters for the one-time Stanley Cup champion.
Many are criticizing Fleury for playing the puck late in Game 4 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, opening up room for chaos to ensue and Brandon Dubinsky to pounce on the opportunity:
This constitutes another blown lead in this series, as the Penguins saw a 3-0 lead melt away into a 3-3 tie to produce an overtime nail-biter currently on NBCSN.
Again, many critiqued “The Flower.”
Puck took a bad hop. But Fleury, frankly, shouldn't be leaving the net at that point.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_PGH) April 24, 2014
Then again, some think that it’s too easy just to pick on him:
Marc-Andre Fleury obviously should have stayed in his net but there are enough #Pens back on play that an open look shouldn't be available
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebesWorld) April 24, 2014
Either way, the Penguins are a goal away from either being up 3-1 or 2-2 in this exciting series.