Allan Walsh, the longtime agent of Golden Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, tweeted a picture of his client that could indicate Fleury’s thoughts on the goalie usage in Vegas.
The image shows Fleury being pierced from behind by a sword with Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer’s name engraved on the blade.
The imagery could be an indicator that Fleury is not pleased with how DeBoer has handled the goalie situation between him and Robin Lehner, though Fleury has not come out publicly since to address it.
Lehner started four games in the Golden Knights’ five-game series victory against the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round. Lehner went 3-1, while Fleury won his Game 3 start, a 2-1 victory. Prior to the postseason, and well before the round robin, DeBoer said the plan was to utilize both goaltenders throughout the postseason, especially in the occurrence of a back-to-back. That’s why DeBoer went with Fleury in Game 3 of the Chicago series.
The Golden Knights will play the Vancouver Canucks in the second round; there’s no guarantee Vegas will endure the back-to-back. The series would have to go to a sixth game should that happen.
Lehner is 5-1 in the postseason with a .904 save percentage and 2.44 goals-against average; Fleury is 2-0 with an .886 save percentage and 2.50 GAA.
The Golden Knights have not released a statement, but Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the team has spoken with Fleury and the Knights are confident that this will not be a distraction as Vegas continues its pursuit toward the Stanley Cup.
Friedman said the expectation is for Fleury to address the media prior to Game 1 against the Canucks on Sunday. Media availability information will not be known until after 5 a.m. PT.
Puck drop for Game 1 is set for 7:30 p.m.