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Marc-André Fleury Reveals What He Missed Most About Playing With Sidney Crosby
Team Canada has the fortune of having both Marc-Andre Fleury and Sidney Crosby suit up for them at the World Championships, which we haven't seen in a while.
Around 30 minutes into Team Canada's practice at Hovet Arena, Sidney Crosby lingered a bit longer. He came from the right circle and shot another puck, before it was thwarted by a sprawling stop.
The goalie flashed his glove in Crosby's face and grinned. That goalie was Marc-André Fleury, going out on his own terms after 21 years in the NHL, and with Crosby, his former elder Penguins teammate, by his side.
Despite Fleury playing at the Worlds, he has announced his NHL retirement
Ending his season with the Minnesota Wild on May 1, Fleury announced his retirement.
Now, he's being given one final farewell at the IIHF World Championship in Sweden, with Crosby by his side, where he played 12 seasons with him in Pittsburgh. Neither would have it otherwise, and Fleury is loving it.
"This is kind of perfect. And you know what I miss the most about playing with Sid? Days like this, just staying on the rink for an hour after practice, just challenging each other. Days like this, I don't want to leave the rink."
- Marc-Andre Fleury
- Marc-Andre Fleury
Minnesota fell to Vegas in six games. Canada was in desperate need of a goaltender, and general manager Kyle Dubas understood he had to pick up the phone.
Around the same time, Crosby, still working out at the Penguins' facility, was contemplating whether his body was ready for a two-week tournament. And then an old friend texted. Fleury was available.
Now in Stockholm, Fleury and Crosby are the big stars. Cameras trail them off the team bus, and their names elicit the loudest applause during warmups. Rarely do players of their caliber and age get to make such a final push.
But this is no ordinary goodbye. It's a tribute, a celebration, and a nod to two legends playing together on the ice for the last time.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 186 ANSWERS Marc-André Fleury Reveals What He Missed Most About Playing With Sidney Crosby Do you miss seeing Marc-Andre Fleury and Sidney Crosby on the same team? | ||
| Yes | 164 | 88.2 % |
| No | 22 | 11.8 % |
| List of polls | ||