Flower Power: The End of an Era
From the moment Marc-Andre Fleury made his NHL debut with a 46 save performance despite a 3-0 loss, everyone knew the Pittsburgh Penguins had something special. A bright spot that hadn't been seen in years.
After being drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights at the annual NHL Awards, Fleury finds a new home as the face of the franchise. With a pedigree of three Stanley Cups in 13 seasons he was the obvious choice as the Golden Knights starting goaltender. It’s important to remember that Fleury didn't have to go to Las Vegas. Before Matt Murray, Jim Rutherford made a commitment to Fleury, by signing him to a four-year deal that included a no trade clause in November 2014.
“It was time.”
For the past two seasons Flower has seen his role with the Penguins switch from the starting goaltender to the backup and has seen his successor win back-to-back Stanley Cups.
“He’s been a really important mentor for me. He’s been so supportive over the last couple years. There’s no way I’m able to play as freely as I have been without Flower being there to support me.”
Without the supportive reassurance from Flower, Murray isn’t as confident and comfortable during the past two seasons playoff runs. Even though Fleury’s taken a backseat position through it all, no one has been more encouraging.
When Flower passed the Stanley Cup to Murray you knew the end of an era was truly over, and what a way to go. No one exemplifies the true meaning of a teammate more than Marc-Andre Fleury.
Murray is without a doubt the best “up and coming” goaltender the league has to offer and Fleury’s on ice play can easily be replaced. It’s what he brought off the ice and into the room that sets him apart from so many other players in this league. He always kept the mood light whether it be by pranking teammates or doing cartwheels in full equipment before a game.
And I don’t think I’ve ever seen him without a smile on his face.
There is something so irreplaceable about his character that will be tremendously missed by this city. He most likely doesn't want to play for a different franchise, but one last time he’ll put the team before himself.
He knows it’s Murray’s team now.
By leaving the Penguins, Fleury possesses every individual goalie record in franchise history, these are his accomplishments:
* Games played as goalie (691)
* Wins (375)
* Save percentage (.912)
* Goals against average (.258)
* Shutouts (44)
* Playoff wins (62)
* Playoff shutouts (10)
He’s also been an important part of three Stanley Cups during his time in Pittsburgh. Despite popular belief, the Penguins don’t win any of those championships without him.
The Penguins certainly don’t win in 2009 when Fleury stood on his head the majority of the playoffs and ended up a Conn Smythe candidate. They don’t win without Fleury’s selflessness and regular season play last year. And they don’t make it to the Eastern Conference final without Fleury’s nine wins and understanding partnership this season with Murray.
This season when injury kept Murray from the start of the playoffs, Fleury stepped up when his team needed him most.
One last time.
Always positive. Always authentic. Always comical. Always with a smile on his face.
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