Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
What Marc-André Fleury Did Two Hours After the Game Had Fans Talking
Photo credit: The Hockey News
Penguins' Marc-Andre Fleury just finished playing in his very final NHL period last night, and stayed two hours past the game, signing autographs from his car.
Marc-Andre Fleury came back to Pittsburgh on Saturday evening and dominated the crease again in a Penguins jersey, his iconic yellow pads perhaps for the last time.
During the game, the crowd showered him with chants of "one more year," wishing to have his legendary career extended.
It was an emotionally charged celebration for the goaltender who embodied an era of Penguins hockey.
Fleury's statistics are indelibly inscribed in the record books: three Stanley Cup titles, 575 career victories, and club marks in almost every significant goaltender statistical category.
Besides the statistics, numerous fans attributed him to kindling their affection for hockey and sparking a new generation of goaltenders.
Marc-Andre Fleury Couldn't Help but Prank His Teammates One Last Time
Fleury's sense of humor also came out. At the rink, he pulled an innocent prank prior to puck drop by placing No. 29 stickers and flower decals on teammates' cars.
Earlier, he took time off with fans, autographing and thanking the ones who had traveled for hours to see him one last time.
But his post-game touch left the greatest impression. Although he left the arena two hours past the final buzzer, Fleury had his car stop to greet hundreds of fans who were waiting behind police barricades.
He stayed for another half hour signing autographs, so there wasn't a fan who left empty-handed.
Fleury's send-off evening was a reminder of why he has been so popular, not only for his Hall of Fame credentials, but for his own sense of humor, warmth, and friendship with the fans who have followed him for over two decades.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 28 | 183 ANSWERS What Marc-André Fleury Did Two Hours After the Game Had Fans Talking Was this one of the nicest gestures you've seen an NHL player do? | ||
| Yes | 177 | 96.7 % |
| No | 6 | 3.3 % |
| List of polls | ||