#1 Cochrane Sports Showdown: October 27, 2024
#1 Cochrane Sports Showdown: 27 October 2024 21:17
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Marc-Andre Fleury returned to Pittsburgh on Tuesday for the final start of his career at PPG Paints Arena.
Fleury, 39, is on his retirement tour and got his start Tuesday with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Minnesota Wild. It was a special night in Pittsburgh for Fleury, who remains a fan favorite in the Steel City. Fans packed PPG Paints Arena to watch what would be Fleury’s final game as a Pittsburgh player, some wearing Fleury Penguins jerseys.
During the game, the Penguins played a video tribute to Fleury, which received a standing ovation from those in attendance. Tuesday was Fleury’s third start of the season.
“Why don’t you just take a deep breath and look around for some good memories,” Fleury said Monday, according to the Associated Press. “As I said earlier, I was very lucky to be able to play here for a long time. I also received some souvenirs here, so I would be happy to play here again.”
Fleury made 26 saves in the Wild’s 5-3 win Tuesday night. As time expired, fans chanted his last name.
Fleury was the first pick of Pittsburgh in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 691 regular season games for the team over 13 seasons, posting a record of 375 wins, 216 losses, and 66 losses, a 2.58 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. He was also on three teams that won the Stanley Cup.
In 2017, Fleury was selected 29th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL Expansion Draft. He spent four seasons with the Knights before joining the Wild in 2021.
When bidding farewell to Pittsburgh in 2017, Fleury said: “This is like home to me. … And I hope people remember me as a good person and not just a goalie.”
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