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Vegas Golden Knights Starting Marc-Andre Fleury Against Penguins

By Richard Cardinale

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 12: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at T-Mobile Arena on December 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 12: Marc-Andre Fleury #29 of the Vegas Golden Knights warms up prior to the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at T-Mobile Arena on December 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury gets the crease against his former team and defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Marc-Andre Fleury played a fantastic game in his return to the lineup. He made 35 stops out 37 attempts in the shootout loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Vegas Golden Knights as a whole didn’t look great at all, but Fleury was there for them when the team needed him the most.

The number of timely saves he made in critical situations was a big boost for the club. Vegas ended up earning just one point, but they never would’ve collected that point if Fleury didn’t come up huge. Next game, however, Fleury will have to overcome his emotions when he plays against his former club, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The team will be all revved up and ready to go for the game tonight as they have a big test in front of them but for Fleury, it’s different. Every Penguins fan knows how Fleury has a strong connection with the city of Pittsburgh. And even though they’re in Las Vegas tonight, there will be a strong showing of Penguins fans in the building at T-Mobile Arena.

Besides the game in Pittsburgh later in the season, I’m sure the three-time Stanley Cup Champion will get the heaviest dose of cheers he’ll ever receive in his career tonight. Whether you’re a Penguins fan or a Golden Knights fan, you’re going to be in for a treat. I’m sure it will be a fantastic moment for Fleury but let’s not forget we have a hockey game!

Vegas Golden Knights Head Coach Gerard Gallant spoke with the media at today’s morning skate and said that Luca Sbisa will not play tonight as he’s nursing a lower-body injury. The injury to Sbisa means Jon Merrill will dress and take his place in the lineup. This will be Merrill’s first game since December 1st when the Winnipeg Jets went off and scored seven goals against Vegas. So it really doesn’t bode well for the Golden Knights tonight.

Gallant also said newly acquired forward Ryan Carpenter practiced with the team this morning but will not play tonight. As for William Carrier, he’s still not cleared for game action as he’s in the red non-contact sweater.   So aside from Merrill going in for Sbisa, its status quo on tonight’s lineup.

On the opposite end, Fleury’s former student goaltender Matt Murray will start for Pittsburgh. The Penguins are also without key defender Justin Schultz for the foreseeable future.

Next: Vegas Golden Knights Claim Ryan Carpenter Off Waivers.

All in all, the storyline of the night will be Fleury play against his old teammates and best friends. But; let’s not forget the task at hand. Two points against one of the best teams in the league are up for grabs tonight, and the Vegas Golden Knights need to take advantage and get back on the winning track. Catch puck drop with Dave Goucher and Shane Hnidy at 7 PM PT on AT&T Sportsnet and NHL Network.

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