The Penguins are facing 30 shots per game on average and so far this season after 9 games Fleury has stopped 254 of 271 shots. That's good for just 17 goals conceded The reason why Fleury's performance is so impressive is partly due to the schedule (SOS) that the Penguins have had. His performances are also a complete change that Penguins fans have seen from Fleury in the past. Mike Bales has to take some credit for that.
The Penguins appointed Mike Bales to their goalkeeping coach position in August 2013 and they are currently entering their third season together. Bales joined on the back of Fleury having one of his worst post seasons with a .883 SV% and 3.52 GAA through 5 games. Fleury has become a much more confident player and is not as prone to collapses now as he was in the past.
With Fleury improving his game it would help if the defence stood up and prevented the opposition from taking so many shots. The game against Buffalo was reminiscent of that with the Sabres getting over 50 shots on net against Zatkoff. After a slight wobble in the 1st period. where the Penguins conceded two goals in quick succession, Zatkoff settled down. He was able to control the onslaught enough to eke out a 4-3 victory.
The Penguins have a good stretch of games coming up and they need to improve at both ends of the ice. Whilst they did, finally, manage to score more than three goals in a game, they won't in every game. They have been struggling for a while and one game doesn't change that. They need to take their chances up front and tighten up at the back. The Penguins play the Leafs on Saturday night. The Leafs have the worst goaltending in the league right now so it is a prime chance to put that to the test.
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