As Wild players entered the Xcel Energy Center on Friday night in St. Paul, they walked through flowers dangling from the ceiling. Sidney Crosby and other former Pittsburg teammates presented Minnesota Wild goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury, with a painting recognizing his incredible career. Towels given to fans in attendance were laid over seats in the X in such a way that “552” was visible on one side of the arena and “1000” on the other. Both numbers signifying historic stats that only ONE other goalie in NHL history has ever surpassed.
The man of the night, of course, was Marc-Andre Fleury. The Flower was joined by his family, Wild brass, a representative of the NHL and over 19,000 fans to celebrate his incredible achievements of 1,000 games played as a goalie and 552 career wins (prior to the game), which has placed him second all-time for wins in the NHL. Second all-time.
To put that into more perspective, the NHL was founded in 1917 – over 100 years ago and MAF won his 552nd game in mid-January. He played in his 1,000th game a little over two weeks prior to that on December 31, 2023. Playing last night against the Pittsburg Penguins, with whom Fleury began his Hall of Fame career, the Flower and the Wild won 3-2 and giving Fleury his 553rd career win.
Aside from being one of the greatest goalies in hockey history, he’s also a special teammate and locker room leader. Beloved by fans, teammates and staff all over the league, Fleury has had an effect on the NHL that we may not, perhaps, ever see again. His famous smile shows from behind the mask and in the locker room as well.
I remember the first post-game interview I had with him, it was hard not to smile myself because his smile and joy at the rink is just infectious. Whether it’s talking with the media and staff or playing practical jokes on his own or opposing teammates, the Flower, is someone very special to every hockey player and fan.
While the former Penguin, Golden Knight, Blackhawk and current Wild goalie was honored with his mother, sister, wife and three freaking adorable kids were standing by his side pregame, Fleury said postgame that he was getting a little emotional. Yet, the professional that he is, the Flower stopped 32 shots in his 1,009th game to gain yet another victory for the guys in green.
By the time his storied career ends, he will have left an undeniable mark on the NHL. Not only as a player and teammate, but as a man. He personifies what a sports player should be. Humble, dedicated, hard-working and most of all, having fun while doing what he loves. Stick taps to the Flower. Fans everyone have loved watching you grow into the player you are.
The Morning Skate 