The legendary goalie returns home to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins one last time Tuesday night. Back in April, the Penguins legend announced he will re-sign with the Minnesota Wild for one more season and then retire. Across Marc-Andre Fleury‘s 21 year career, he has spent it on four different teams and compiled some pretty impressive stats along the way. The teams he has played for include the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Wild. However, his greatest and longest impact was with the Penguins.
Marc-Andre Fleury’s Career, Stats, and a Story or Two, Too
Fleury was selected by the Penguins first overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He then proceeded to make his NHL debut that season, where he appeared in just 21 games. His rookie season is one he would like to forget, as he had a record of 4-14-2 with a save percentage of just .896. However, his second season is where he earned the nod of becoming a full-time starter but still a disappointing season especially for a former first overall pick. He had a record of 13-27-6 and a 3.25 GAA.
It was not until his third season in 2006-07, where he really broke out and looked like he was going to be a star. He had a record of 40-16-9. His .906 SV% and 2.83 GAA were the best of his career at that point. In addition, he also had five shutouts.
Impact on the Ice
On the ice, there are not many goalies more accomplished than Marc-Andre Fleury based on stats and longevity, as he has a long, laundry list of accomplishments. This includes being fourth all-time in games (1,027), second in wins (562), third in saves (26,640), 12th in shutouts (75), and fourth in minutes played (59,403). The fact that he has those accomplishments and is still playing is even crazier to think about. Considering Fleury is 39 and retiring soon, it is time people start to appreciate him more and give him the respect he deserves. He is arguably one of the most underrated goalies of all-time.
Fleury’s career numbers include a record of 562-330-97 in 1,027 games. He has a career GAA of 2.60 and a .912 SV% and 75 shutouts. While these numbers are impressive, he ranks among the best goaltenders to ever play the game. Just three years ago, he celebrated his 500th career win as a goaltender. Moreover, the 2020-2021 season, may be one of his best as he won the Vezina and Jennings Trophies. 2015 was another solid season as he led the league in shutouts with ten, which was also a career high for him.
In addition to his individual successes, Fleury also has won as a team, the ultimate prize in hockey, a Stanley Cup. Fleury has won three Stanley Cups all with the Penguins. However, he was only the starter for two of those Stanley Cups.
Impact off the Ice
In addition to Marc-Andre Fleury’s stats and personal on-ice success, he was also an incredible teammate, who was loved by all of his teammates. Any time he returns to or plays Pittsburgh, there is always a prank or two instore. Also, spending time with his old teammates is a must. Most likely Fleury will have something up his sleeve to prank the Penguins one last time. A final hooray.
All pranks aside, he truly was a great teammate. When Fleury won his third Stanley Cup in 2017, he was the backup to Matt Murray. Fleury could have been annoyed and frustrated he was no longer starting and asked for a trade. However, because of the person he is, he helped mentor Murray and developed him into a successful goalie and Stanley Cup winner.
Of course MAF made a spontaneous visit to a youth hockey practice ☺️ pic.twitter.com/hDEqmg6kab
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) October 28, 2024
In addition, Fleury has always been a great guy off the ice and is always highly respected in the league and by the fans and the community. While still in Pittsburgh, he and his wife opened a playground in Pittsburgh for young boys and girls. In addition, he also purchased numerous of sports balls and equipment for the kids to use as well. On and off the ice, Fleury is a great person and player who returns to his home in Pittsburgh one last time.
For him and his family, Penguins fans, former teammates, and the Pittsburgh community, Tuesday night will most definitely be an emotional one.
Main Photo Credit: Matt Blewett – USA TODAY Sports
