Macon

Marc Andre Fleury made strides last year in his quest to prove himself as an NHL caliber goalie. Judging how successful he will be based on last years performance is pretty hard considering that he faced more shots than he probably should have due to mental lapses by a defense that while much maligned was still better than its critics claim.

However Fleury is by no means the Penguins goalie of the future. Yes, he made progress last year. But he still has a long road to travel. His potential is undeniable. The question is will be make the journey.

In recent years the Penguins have changed net minders almost as often as Imelda Marcos changed her shoes. They have tried several different shooting stars between the pipes looking for the one. By signing Ty Conklin (G) the Penguins are letting Fleury know that he must continue to make strides this season.

Conklin is an unproven talent. Hes been with three teams in his short NHL career: Edmonton, Columbus and Buffalo. Last year he had an unimpressive .892 GAA in five games with Buffalo and a .871 GAA with Columbus in 11 contests. Overall in 76 NHL games Conklin is a little better with a 30-24-7 record, .900 save percentage and a 2.65 GAA.

With Thibault heading to the Sabres this season, Conklin will be needed to back up the young goalie the Penguins hope will become the phenom they are touting him as. And with the Penguins also signing Boston University MVP John Curry as well as bringing in Notre Dame product, and 2004 draft pick, Dave Brown who will be looking to make a splash in Wilkes-Barre this season, Fleury will have the hounds on his tail if he fails to continue to improve.

J.J. Jackson is the owner of and writer for A Great Day For Hockey, a fan site dedicated to news, opinions and comments on the Pittsburgh Penguins and is also the owner of Funny When Wet T-shirts.