I grew up during a bygone era before salary caps and free agency, when our beloved sports heroes spent their entire careers with one team.
How I wish it still were so. It broke my heart to hear Marc-Andre Fleury bid adieu to the ‘Burgh at a press conference last Thursday.
“It’s been such a long time, a great ride,” said an emotional Fleury. “I’ve met a lot of good people. This feels like home for me.”
I won’t lie. When I watched the video on the 6 o’clock news that night, I choked up. The same thing happened when I watched Las Vegas officially select “Flower” during the expansion draft segment of the NHL Awards Show, then saw him step onto the stage sporting his new colors.
Even though he received a warm ovation, I can only imagine how bittersweet and surreal it must’ve seemed. I couldn’t help but feel for him.
I admit, I’m a Matt Murray guy. Yet I so deeply appreciate all that Fleury’s done for our team, to say nothing of our city and community. In particular, his diving stop on Nicklas Lidstrom in the closing seconds of Game Seven to clinch the ’09 Stanley Cup will remain forever etched in my mind, like a timeless testament to his marvelous talent.
Indeed, from the moment No. 29 first stepped onto the Mellon Arena ice all those years ago, he commanded our attention with his McDonalds’ gold goalie pads and flashy, flamboyant style.
He was, in many ways, a master artist…pouring his heart out in a kaleidoscope of poke checks and toe saves for all to see. The ice his palette, he painted in bold strokes of grace, agility and stunning athleticism, wowing us with save after extraordinary save. Each one, it seemed, topping the last in terms of sheer brilliance, leaving us breathless, incredulous and yearning for more.
It wasn’t all roses. Following a brilliant junior career with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles that began when he was only 16, the Penguins traded up to make Fleury the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 Entry Draft.
Expected to be the cornerstone for the rebuilding Pens, the can’t-miss-kid faltered following an auspicious debut, prompting then-GM Craig Patrick to return him to junior.
A couple of months later Fleury’s young career crash-dived to an early low when he yielded three third-period goals to fuel Canada’s 4-3 loss to the United States in the 2004 World Junior Championships. The crushing defeat drew the wrath of his countrymen and brought the Pens’ faith in him into question.
Only 19, Fleury must’ve felt the weight of the hockey world resting upon his slender shoulders.
Marc-Andre endured. Indeed, in a career defined by dizzying heights and equally disturbing lows, resilience would become as much a Fleury hallmark over the years as his Gumby-like flexibility and the easy-going demeanor that masked a fiercely competitive nature.
Those traits were never more evident than during the Pens’ recent Cup run. When a freak injury to Murray thrust Fleury back into the spotlight following a season in the shadows, he stood taller than a redwood in Big Sur. With mere moments to mentally prepare, he made 31 saves to pace a 3-1 victory over Columbus in the playoff opener, a jewel of a performance that set the tone for the first-round series and beyond.
It wa
s only the beginning of a redemptive postseason for Flower, one filled with highlights. A truly stunning four-save sequence in Game One against Washington comes to mind. So does a huge 38-save effort six days later, and a monumentally clutch shutout in the deciding Game Seven in DC.
“If it wasn’t for our goaltending, we wouldn’t have won the series,” said Pens GM Jim Rutherford in heartfelt appreciation. Truer words were never spoken.
Unfortunately, fate can be fickle if not downright cruel. So it was for Fleury. He followed a second shutout—a 29-save gem—with an uncharacteristically rocky outing against Ottawa in Game Three of the conference final. Once again he took a back seat to Murray, who was superb.
Still, Flower reveled in the Pens’ ultimate triumph, knowing he’d done his part to help claim the Cup. During the victory parade the humble hero from Sorel, Quebec was showered with affection from an adoring Steel City throng. Chants of Fleury, Fleury, Fleury filled the thick summer air. Flashing his shy smile, he basked in the glory.
He departs, secure in the knowledge that his black-and-gold legacy is complete. His name is engraved on the Cup, not once but three times. He owns virtually every Penguins goaltending record. Without question he’ll be remembered as one of the team’s all-time greats.
Whenever God closes a door, He opens a window. Fleury will get plenty of opportunity to do what he loves best for his new club.
“I love to play,” he said, dark eyes gleaming. “I love the game. I love to be in there and compete, the challenge of it. I like everything about it.”
Prepare for a thrill ride, Sin City fans. Win or lose, you’re in for a sensory delight.
A final thought. Can you possibly imagine the ovation Fleury will receive when he returns to PPG Paints Arena for his first game in a Golden Knights uniform? The outpouring will surely rival, if not surpass, any received by a returning Penguin. It may even eclipse those received by our all-time favorite son and franchise icon, Mario Lemieux.
In fact, I wonder if the din will subside long enough to allow the singing of the National Anthem, let alone the drop of the first puck. Gives me chills just to ponder it.
You never know how much you’ll miss someone until they’re gone.
Farewell, Flower.
Marc-Andre remember “HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS”
Fleury had to go. In fact, he wanted to go, and by doing so will be helping the Pens continue to win for years. He still wants to be a starter, and that was never going to happen with Murray on the team. By leaving, the Penguins now have his 5.75 million to use to pay Kunitz and Shulltz and maybe even allow them to resign Bonino. So in a way, Flower is still saving the Pens
Exactly. I think everyone is a little too emotional right now. This decision was made by him back around the trade deadline.
Hey Coach Bombay,
Good to hear from another esteemed early PenguinPoop blogger!
I think the very fact that it is so emotional is what makes this situation unique. Athletes come and go, but they rarely have a city’s heart the way Fleury has ours.
Rick
Hey Disco Stu,
Great to hear from one of the original PenguinPoop bloggers.
You’re right, of course. There really was no other way for this situation to play out. The Pens simply had to protect Murray over Fleury … he’s the future. But on a purely emotional level, it’s tough to see Flower go.
Great finishing thought. In a way, Fleury did sacrifice himself for the good of the team by waiving his no movement clause. (Compare that with Dion Phaneuf in Ottawa). So he, indeed, is still saving the team.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I did not know if you were going to post an article on Vegas and the Awards last night or wait. Forgive me if this post is a little off the above subject.
About last “knight” in Vegas, I kept thinking about 3 or different narratives as the night went on.
1. Changing of the Guard….. One thing we can not do and that is stop Father time. Just like when a young faced, barely 18 years old ” Herring Choker” from Cole Harbor Nova Scotia won his first award, Rookie of the Year and then everything took off after that,…I remember the looks of all the old established stars of the day as Sidney accepted his well deserved award. Vincent Lecalavier, Jarome Iglinia ,Brad Boyes , ect. They all knew that the new kid had arrived and it was only a matter of time before the league was his.
The Hockey Writers,the Coaches, the players themselves all knew this.
Last night Connor Mc David arrived. The Lindsay award, voted on by the players themselves said Mc David was better than Sid. The Hart trophy voted on by the Hockey professionals, as the best player in the game also went to Mc David. Of course his 100 points was simply the best in 2017. Even with the younger generation he is the Face of the ESPN 2017-18 Hockey Video game.
So now the NHL belongs to him ! Sidney knew this to as he congratulated Mc David on his accomplishments. Passing of the Torch !! Way to go Sidney…
One classy guy. He knows his moment in history of our game.
Of course Sidney is the 2 time back to back Conn Smythe winner, something only 3 other players have done EVER, and 10 days ago HE was the best player on the planet based on all his past accomplishments. I firmly believe Sidney will lift the Cup again before he retires in 7 years, but last night THE TORCHED WAS PAST ON. Great for the game.
Also Auston Matthews… You can see the league starting to key on him as well and he could BE the greatest US born player to ever play in the NHL and we all know that to survive the NHL needs to grow in the Southern and mid western States.Kid from Arizona. Great story.
2. This Vegas Knight Team is going to make the play offs. With all the first and second round picks from now until 2020, they have a great advantage over a lot of other NHL teams. Rumor has Dallas giving up their 3rd over all pick for Methot and another player. So that will help them quickly.
3. We need to get bigger and younger if we are going to 3 peat. When MAF was drafted I saw the look on Sidney’s face and then Mario’s. Mario looked relieved that now they have that $ 5.1 million apx in cap savings to use to resign some other players. Our defense is still a mess and needs a lot of work to three peat. We only have 3 d men signed for 2018.
Plus we need 2 more centers at this moment and at least 1 left winger.
So JR has alot of work ahead of him….
Lets Go Pen’s !!
Passing of the torch. Edmonton to Pittsburgh now back to Edmonton.
Hey Jim,
I think the Pens have 4-5 more years as quality Cup contenders. A huge conundrum is it better to go all out on these 4-5 years then let the team tank or better to try to stay afloat for years trading players for draft picks?
I’m a all in let the team tank and try to land a #1 again. I also have no problem if the Pens try to keep their 2 time Cup champion team together for a third run I think they have the cap room to do it. I know they are a year older now, but they have earned a run at a third Cup. I think Cullen said he would only play for Pittsburgh which sounds to me like he will be returning.
I don’t see the Knights making the playoffs. All I was thinking when I saw their picks was that Mcphee was still clueless. They had a few correct picks but not picking Dumba for a 3rd round draft pick??? They had a chance to put together one of the greatest defenses ever seen. I really miss Mcphee in our conference.
Why is Sid retiring at 36?
Regarding McPhee. I guess you could say it was a dumb(a) move on his part … 🙂
Sorry…guess I’m punchy from doing so much writing … 🙂
Rick
Hi Phil
I guess it was a backhanded compliment to Sidney. He above everyone else understands about the good of the game means more than just the good of one player. Will he stop competing? Heck no. That is what makes him so special. His will to win. He will never give up. Same as Gretzky or Gordie Howe.But there is a time to celebrate others and I believe Sidney is there. A real class act as I said above.
With regards to the Knights I believe they will sneak into the play offs and probably get bounced in 4 games straight, but at least now they have a fighting chance. The last couple of Franchises sold by the NHL never had this much talent and picks to start with.
The NHL finally learned a few lessons from the past failures.
To answer your question about Sidney retiring at 36-37 when this contract expires is for 2 reasons. The first is Sidney Crosby is a true blue Nova Scotian and when his hockey career is over he will return to Cole Harbor and back to all his family and friends there.
My nephew is one of his closest friends in the area and tells me the same. You see Phil he has already achieved everything he ever wanted to. He plays now for the FUN of the game and not the MONEY.
He is that special type of individual because his parents raised him that way. Family is very important to him.
The second reason is his health. His family and local area friends are deeply concerned about his concussion history. They do not care about his legacy or how many cups he lifts over his head….
They want him to be able to remember his name on his sixty Birthday and for the ringing to finally stop in his ears. All the fame and money in the world is useless if you if you do not have your health.That is why I believe he will not play past this current contract and if he gets any more serious head injuries he will retire !! His family will step in.
We need a 3 or 4 big players to protect him and the others as well.
It is unbelievable what the management and ownership have put our players thru. They need protection. The league is not changing. You saw how many big guys the Knights drafted. Almost half the team is over 6’2″ and we are 5’10-11″. Pardon the pun…A BIG difference.
So I am excited to see this weeks draft and I for one would like to see some younger,bigger and more aggressive talent added to our club. Just my thoughts …
Cheers
MAF is the only Pen, besides Lemieux, who has grabbed this city by the heart. I am a MAF girl- by watching the player/Lemieux reaction at the awards last night, I hope this does not backfire in some way. Especially with morale. I know we could not keep him- but I have never observed the city react this way to a Pen- except for Lemieux.
I agree, Lee Ann.
Mario was revered. And way back in the day, the town was crazy over Jaromir Jagr. But I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this town take an athlete to its heart the way we have Fleury.
Maybe it’s because, through it all, he’s maintained a certain innocence. There’s a vulnerability, like you’re seeing the real person and not a facade.
I don’t mean to imply he’s fragile…Lord knows, you can’t be an NHL goaltender and not be mentally tough. He just seems like a very genuine, likeable guy, and I think everyone picks up on that.
Rick
Awesome Rick!
A few of the many Penguins team records that Fleury holds:
Most Wins 375 (#15 All Time NHL) #2 Barrasso – 226
Most Games Played 691
Most Minutes Played 39769
Most Shutouts 44
Most Shots Faced 19487
Most Games Played in a season 67 – Twice
Among goalies that have played 100+ games for the Penguins.
Best Save % .912
Best Goals Against 2.58
Hey Phil,
Some more perspective to MAF’s accomplishments, the number 2 man in all time SO, like wins was Barrasso. His number is only half, 22, followed by Binkley at 11.
And let’s face it, as a person, Barrasso was at best half of MAF again in that department.
Will miss him
Excellent, Rick!
This is one of your best pieces, Rick. There were tears in my eyes last night when I saw Mark Andre on the stage in Vegas colors, and now here they are again this morning. Thank you.
And thank you, Mark Andre – it’s been a long, wild, bumpy, chaotic ride – we wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Jayelene
Thank you, Jayelene.
I usually don’t get too emotional about athletes leaving. After all, it’s so commonplace these days. And like I said…I’m a Murray guy.
And yet there’s something about Fleury leaving that seems to have an extra layer of significance to it. He really was the first one on the scene way back in 2003 and the first major building block in the Pens’ transformation from chumps to champs.
There was something in the way he said, “This feels like home for me” that just tugged at my heart. I can only imagine how conflicted he feels between his desire to stay with the team and the guys he’s more or less grown up with, and his desire to play for a team where he can–deservedly–be No. 1.
God bless him.
Rick
Nicely done !
It seemed so unreal last night as MAF walked out on the stage in the Vegas Knights uniform and then spoke. Fans going crazy cheering for him.
As always he said all the right things and I was very impressed after the shock had subsided. Cool colors !!
Best wishes MAF
Great Article Rick!