DeBoer has high praise for Fleury as the netminder takes over the number one spot in Vegas

Call it justice for Marc-Andre Fleury. During the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Vegas Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer made it abundantly clear that Robin Lehner was the number one goaltender in Las Vegas. Fleury, a Golden Knights original, had lost his starting position. Fast forward a few months to now, and Fleury seems to have won his position back, not just posting good stats through nine games this season, but excellent ones.

"He deserves to be starting this game," said DeBoer when asked if Fleury would be the starter for Saturday in the team's matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at Lake Tahoe.

In 2020-21 so far, Fleury has recorded a goals against average of 1.56 and a save percentage of .937 while going 7-2-0. He's pulled that off while recently playing three games in four nights as Lehner, who has not looked nearly as sharp in the five games he's started, dealt with a nagging upper-body injury.

"He's had the energy to do it, and not only do it but do it at a high level," said DeBoer after those three games. "He's been our best player through this stretch."

For many, it will feel like Fleury was destined to have this happen. The three-time Stanley Cup champion is well-liked by fans of teams across North America. There's no question right now that he hasn't just been handed his spot back, he's earned it. And, very few players in the NHL would do it more humbly than Fleury.

As for Lehner, DeBoer said he likely won't be travelling with the team to Lake Tahoe.

"He's getting better day by day, and I expect him back sooner rather than later," he said.

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