Marc-Andre Fleury made a sentimental return to Pittsburgh for a final farewell that felt fitting to him. The veteran goaltender, hailing from Sorel, Que., delivered a flawless performance by stopping all eight shots in the third period of his last game with the Penguins, securing a 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets during a pre-season matchup on Saturday evening.
Expressing his emotions, Fleury described the experience as a mix of surreal, crazy, and comfortable. Despite officially retiring from the NHL as a member of the Minnesota Wild at the end of the previous season, the 40-year-old goalie signed a ceremonial professional tryout contract to reunite with former teammates, complete a remarkable 21-season NHL career that commenced in Pittsburgh, and bid a proper farewell.
Ranked second in NHL history with 575 wins and 1,051 regular-season games played, Fleury, a former Vezina Trophy recipient, boasts an impressive record. However, the focus of the night was on celebrating Fleury’s illustrious time in Pittsburgh, where he clinched three Stanley Cups and holds numerous goaltending records for the Penguins.
Donning his iconic bright yellow pads and a custom-made mask for the occasion, Fleury opted to play the third period during the game, which was met with a thunderous reception from the sellout crowd. Chants of “Fle-ury” and “One More Year” echoed through the arena, underscoring the fans’ appreciation for the goaltending legend’s contributions to the team.
In the closing moments, as the crowd serenaded him with “Thank You Fleury,” Fleury was embraced by fellow Penguins’ stalwarts Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang in a heartfelt display of camaraderie. Having spent the majority of his career with the Penguins and playing a pivotal role in their Stanley Cup victories, Fleury’s legacy in Pittsburgh remains deeply cherished by fans and teammates alike.
From his heroic save in the 2009 Stanley Cup final to his enduring impact on the franchise, Fleury’s presence on the ice evoked nostalgia and admiration among supporters. The atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to witness his final warmup session and express their gratitude with homemade signs and cheers, creating an emotional and memorable send-off for the beloved goaltender.