Marc-Andre Fleury playing in goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins
Photo credit: NHL

Marc-Andre Fleury Surpasses His Idol with 552nd Win Last Night for Second All-Time

Published January 16, 2024 at 11:36
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An old familiar sound in Pittsburgh rang out last night in Minnesota as the fans chanted 'Fleury!' during the games second period, and as the final seconds of the third period closed out.

Marc-Andre Fleury Gets His 552nd Win Placing Him Second All-Time for Goalies



You can see it on his face in those waning seconds of the game that he knew it as well. Marc-Andre Fleury reached a long sought after milestone becoming the sole possessor of 2nd place all-time for goaltender victories.




Fleury was rushed by all the players after the game as the fans all stood up to witness history. The club that has been struggling as of last, took this chance to celebrate with their teammate.

Former WBS Penguins coach and current head coach of the Wild, John Hynes commented,
«Look at how the team rushed out after the game to congratulate him."

The 39-year-old goaltender surpassed his idol Patrick Roy (551 wins) and is second to only Martin Brodeur (691).

«He's a better guy than a goalie, and that says a lot when you have the second-best goalie in the world,»
said Mats Zuccarello, who scored 2:11 into the game in the 5-0 victory over the New York Islanders.

Recently Fleury tied Roy with 1,100 games played and tied him in wins that following week. This game was also his 74th shutout of his 20-year career.



«My dream was to play in the NHL." said Fleury. "I was so happy to play that first game, from then on, it was just one game at a time, one win at a time, trying to win the next one. I've been very fortunate to play with really great teams, great teammates, people that helped me stay healthy throughout the journey. It feels crazy to be here now.»

When he was asked about passing Brodeur for first all time:

«I'll need 15 more years.»

Two of Fleury's three children were in attendance with his wife and joined him in the locker room after. The third was recoving from tonsil surgery.



Fleury won 2 Stanley Cups playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 13 years with the team. He won another with the Golden Knights, moved on to the Chicago Blackhawks and then arrived in Minnesota in a midseason trade two years ago. In 169 playoff games, he has 92 wins and 16 shootouts to add to his hall of fame career.



The Wild have already scheduled a celebration for Fleury on February 9th. That date will hold extra meaning to him and fans in Pittsburgh, because the Penguins will be in town for that game against Minnesota. That is a game this fan cannot wait to see.

As Read On: SportsNet - Marc-Andre Fleury secures 552nd win, passes Patrick Roy for second all-time
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Marc-Andre Fleury Surpasses His Idol with 552nd Win Last Night for Second All-Time

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