Marc-Andre Fleury Interview

Marc-Andre Fleury Interview:

Leading Penguins to the Promised Land (posted 01.18.07)

by David Burstyn

The road to the NHL for Marc-Andre Fleury has not exactly been paved. A first overall selection in 2003, Fleury struggled in his first season with the club splitting time with both the Penguins and Wilkes-Barre (AHL). The lock out season helped Fleury to regain some of his lost confidence and better prepare him. Traditionally goalies develop slower than any other position and Fleury is no exception. At 22 years of age, he has appeared in over 100 NHL games and is the goalie of the future for this young Penguins organization.

McKeen's had a chance to sit down with a jovial M.A. recently and ask him about his season, his line mates and exactly what goes through his head when making a save.

McKeen's: Second full season with the Penguins and the team is performing much better now. How has that helped you in particular?

Marc-Andre Fleury: You know it is starting to show with the wins and my defence is playing better in front of me. They are blocking shots and taking rebounds away which are always a big plus for me.

McKeen's: What are some of the adjustments you made coming into the season?

Marc-Andre Fleury: Rebound control is something I still have to pay attention too. I have tried to be more patient as well by staying on my feet more.

McKeen's: Expectations have been thrust upon you ever since you were a first overall pick. What does it mean to you to come into your own and mature as a goalie?

Marc-Andre Fleury: The first overall selection was great but that is very behind me now. I feel good and I think that is a direct result of just playing. I am more confident and sure of myself and especially for goalies you need to play to be better.

McKeen's: What affect has Gilles Meloche (Penguins goalie coach) had on your development?

Marc-Andre Fleury: I like working with him. He has played in the NHL for a long time he has a better understanding of what I am thinking and is quick to see what facets of my game need work.

McKeen's: Do you keep a book on shooters like some goalies do? What are some of the key things you look for when a player like Maxim Afinogenov or Thomas Vanek is coming in on you?

Marc-Andre Fleury: (Lets out a big laugh) I might be like uh oh but to be honest with you I don't keep a log of them or anything. I know who the players are in this league and they are capable of doing some many things with the puck. The key thing is to stay with them until the end and hopefully react quicker and out think them.

McKeen's: How much better is the defence in front of you this year?

Marc-Andre Fleury: Everyone has developed considerably this year and that is to be expected with a young team like ours. They have been better at blocking shooting lanes and getting in better position. The tandem of Gonchar and Melichar have been playing very well for us.

McKeen's: How big has Crosby been to this team? What major differences have you seen this year than from last in terms of his maturity?

Marc-Andre Fleury: The difference is he was good last year and he is real good this year. (Lets out a huge laugh) He doesn't go out of his way to be vocal rather he leads on the ice. He has been huge for us as he is a game breaker and can do so many things with the puck.