Marc-Andre Fleury made an emotional return to Pittsburgh for a final goodbye, showcasing his legendary goaltending skills with the Penguins one last time. In a preseason matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Fleury, who officially retired with the Minnesota Wild last season, suited up for the Penguins through a ceremonial professional tryout contract.
The beloved 40-year-old goalie, known for his stellar performance in Pittsburgh where he clinched three Stanley Cups and set numerous team records, including wins, shutouts, and playoff victories, was warmly welcomed by fans at PPG Paints Arena. Donning his iconic bright yellow pads and a custom mask, Fleury took to the ice for the third period, receiving thunderous applause and chants of “Fle-ury” from the sellout crowd.
The atmosphere was electric as Fleury made remarkable saves, evoking a playoff-like intensity in the arena. His former teammates, including Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, shared heartfelt moments with him on the ice after the game, underscoring his significant contribution to the Penguins’ success over the years.
Fleury’s legacy in Pittsburgh was commemorated by fans who gathered to witness his final warmup session and express their gratitude with homemade signs and cheers. The emotional evening culminated in a fitting tribute to a player who played a pivotal role in shaping the Penguins into a championship-winning team.
Throughout his illustrious 21-season NHL career, Fleury’s impact on the sport and the Pittsburgh community remains indelible, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in goaltending history.