Penguins Update: Farewell Flower

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 was 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.