Marc-Andre Fleury Makes Return to Pittsburgh

Three-time Stanley Cup Champion goaltender over 13 years, Marc- Andre Fleury, made his first visit back to his former city two nights ago, but not in a Penguins uniform. Fleury was acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights during the expansion draft last summer and was easily the top selection the Knights made. He has been a leader for Vegas in their first NHL season, helping them to earn the top spot in the Western Conference thus far. Fleury has always been known to be a leader on and off the ice and a fan favorite, and it was proven again last night in Pittsburgh. Here is the tribute video for Fleury that the Penguins organization put together.

It was an emotional night no doubt for Fleury, as he was quoted after the game by Adam Gretz of NBC Sports, “In warmup I had goosebumps. It’s a night I wont forget”. That being said, Fleury may want to forget about the final score. The Knights jumped out to an early two goal lead but that wouldn’t be enough as the high flying offense of the Penguins put five straight past their old teammate. Fleury did, however, make some nice saves including one on Jake Guentzel on a breakaway and Evgeni Malkin on a breakaway with a nice poke check that Penguins fans had become so accustomed to seeing.

Despite not earning the win on his old home ice, it was a memorable night for Fleury seeing many signs in the stands with words of worship for his work. That being the last visit to Pittsburgh this year for Vegas has to  make you wonder what it would be like if Fleury could help bring Vegas to the Stanley Cup Finals, to play against Pittsburgh (which would be their third straight Cup Final appearance). OOO-weee imagine that? Not only would Vegas making the finals be a wonderful storyline in itself, but so would Fleury going up against the team that gave him his shot in the NHL for all the glory. You never know, it could happen.

Written by Nick Gendreau