Pittsburgh Penguins: Thank You Marc-Andre Fleury
By Shane Lunnen
The Pittsburgh Penguins and the city of Pittsburgh should be forever grateful for Marc-Andre Fleury
On Wednesday during the NHL expansion draft, the Las Vegas Golden Knights selected Marc-Andre Fleury to be their goaltender and ending a 14 year relationship with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the city. Unfortunately that’s the reality of the business side of sports, but the city and it’s fans should be thankful for the time that Fleury was a Penguin.
Pittsburgh Penguins
In June 2003, the Pittsburgh Penguins selected Fleury with the number one overall draft pick. Many consider 2005 to be re-birth of Penguins hockey when they drafted Sidney Crosby however the next generation really started when they drafted Fleury.
The youngest goaltender in the league at age 18, Fleury started immediately in October 2003. Despite a 3-0 loss to the Los Angeles Kings, he recorded 46 saves. He split time with two other goaltenders early in his career and played some time in the minors. It was tough sledding for Fleury mostly due to the lack of defense and scoring. But the signs were there that the Penguins made the right decision.
Playoff Success and Top of the Mountain
In 2007 the Penguins would finally return to the playoffs after a 6 year absence and in 2008 made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. Fleury was a huge part of that run, posting a 14-6 record and a league leading .933 save percentage. Unfortunately the Penguins would lose in six games to the Detroit Red Wings.
The following season, Fleury had another solid season and the Penguins entered the playoffs again. A Fleury moment during those playoffs was his save against Alexander Ovechkin in Game 7 versus the Washington Capitals. I like to remember him for his save to preserve the Stanley Cup victory. (Video courtesy of Sportsnet)
Playoff Heartache and a Benching
After the 2009 Cup win, there was a lot of playoff disappointment for Fleury and the Penguins. The 2011-2012 regular season was a fantastic one for Fleury, but despite that he had a complete meltdown in a first round exit against the Philadelphia Flyers, posting .834 save percentage and a putrid 4.63 goals against average. His playoff struggles continued the following year and he was replaced by Tomas Vokoun as the Pens went on to be swept by the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference Finals.
In the 2015-2016 season, Fleury was again impressive but suffered a concussion near the end of the year. Matt Murray took over and Fleury did not see the net again until a loss against Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference final. He was replaced again by Murray as the Penguins went on to win the Stanley Cup.
The Reason for the Third Stanley Cup
It has been said multiple times but cannot be said enough. If not for Fleury in this year’s playoffs, the Penguins do not win back to back Stanley Cups. Period. He was fantastic through the first two rounds with a 9-6 record. My personal favorite moment was when Fleury handed the Cup to Murray. (Video courtesy of Puck S)
Thank You, Fleury
There is no question the mark that Fleury has left on the Penguins and the city of Pittsburgh. From his smile behind the mask, to him thanking his posts, to his presence in the community, to him being a practical jokester in the locker room. He will always be remembered for everything he did on and off the ice.
On a personal note, I will miss Fleury a lot. I never watched hockey until introduced to the sport by a good college friend in 2002. He was a Penguins fan so naturally I become one too. The first Penguins game I attended happened to be Fleury’s first game as a Penguin. I grew into a huge hockey fan and Fleury has been a big part of that for me.
Through all the ups and downs, he’s had an outstanding career. We all thank you, Fleury, for everything you have done as a Penguin. Good luck out west!