Thibault Could Be Key To Pens Success In Playoffs
An NHL veteran, Thibault rarely sees action on the ice unless the Penguins are playing back to back games because of the stunning performance of Fleury over the course of the season. But as his performance in the 2-1 loss to the New York Rangers proved, “T-Bo” isn’t just around to spell the youngster every now and again. The man is here because he is a good goal tender and he can play the game. More importantly, he keeps giving the Penguins the chance to win the game even if they don’t take advantage of it.Against the Rangers Thibault showed that he has almost just as many flops, splits and dives as the youngster he backs up. He pulled out more than his fair share of Fleury-like, last gasp saves to show the crowd he isn’t just filler on a team chocked full of talent.
He’s kept the Penguins in almost every game when he has been called upon to perform. In 20 games for the Pens, Thibault is 6-8-2 with a 2.79 GAA and a .911 save percentage. Fleury, in 59 games, is 35-14-8 with a 2.92 GAA and a .902 save percentage.
Fleury, while spectacular to watch
Right now it is shades of how the Penguins needed Ken Wregget to backup Tom Barrasso on their way to the Stanley Cup. Not that the Penguins are definitely Championship material mind you. They still have a lot to prove before I’ll ever make that prediction.
Jeff Jackson is the owner of A Great Day For Hockey a blog dedicated to checking up on the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is also the owner of the T-shirt Entrepreneur dedicated to online t-shirt selling and business tips.
Tags: backup, goal tending, goalie, goaltender, hockey, Jocelyn Thibault, nhl, penguins, pittsburgh, save, thibault
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