'One More Year': Penguins Fans Chant for Marc-Andre Fleury to Come Out of Retirement
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Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury played in one final period of his career last night, and fans chanted "one more year", urging the netminder to come back full-time.
Marc-Andre Fleury came back to Pittsburgh for the final time, and the farewell couldn't have been more scripted.
The 40-year-old goalie, who departed the Minnesota Wild at the conclusion of last season, inked a ceremonial professional tryout contract earlier this month to retire officially, where he started his career.
Marc-Andre Fleury Stopped all 8 Shots He Faced in His Final NHL Period
During Saturday night's 4-1 Penguins preseason victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, he made all eight of his saves during the third period, allowing fans one more opportunity to celebrate their franchise legend.
"It was a little surreal, a little crazy, but also comfortable," Fleury said. "When I played here with other teams, I always felt a little weird, but this felt normal like it used to."
"I feel bad because I've done so many laps and goodbyes and I keep coming back," Fleury said. "I'm thankful I got the opportunity to come back for one more go-around."
"I feel bad because I've done so many laps and goodbyes and I keep coming back," Fleury said. "I'm thankful I got the opportunity to come back for one more go-around."
Fleury, a first-round draft pick of Pittsburgh in 2003, spent 13 seasons with the Penguins, capturing three Stanley Cups and nearly every meaningful franchise goalie record.
His career resume includes 575 victories (second in league history), 1,051 games, and 76 shutouts, and his finest recollection stayed with him since 2009 with a diving, last-second save of Nicklas Lidstrom to capture the Cup for the Penguins.
The evening was more than an exercise in numbers, however. With yellow pads and an identifying mask, Fleury emerged to a standing ovation saluted by "Fle-ury" and "One More Year" chants.
Every save provoked howls amid the sellout crowd, and after the final whistle, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang hugged their former player one last time.
For the fans, it was a celebration and a thank you. Fleury's playing career stabilized a once-troubled franchise and positioned the Penguins among the NHL's elite teams.
On Saturday, the city of Pittsburgh repaid the favor, showering its all-time goaltending great with adoration and appreciation that he had rightfully earned over two banner-filled decades.
Marc-Andre Fleury's career began and ended in Pittsburgh, his name ringing out throughout the arena.
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