Marc-Andre Fleury gets a Pittsburgh sendoff in his likely final game in town

Fleury earned 1st star honors with 26 saves in a 5-3 win over the Penguins.

It was an emotional night at PPG Paints Arena last night as Marc-Andre Fleury played what is likely going to be his last game in Pittsburgh as his illustrious career is coming to an end.

Fleury was back in town with the Minnesota Wild and was welcomed back, as he usually is, with open arms by the organization and the fanbase alike.

Ahead of his final game in Pittsburgh, Fleury said he would take a deep breath and a good look around the arena.

“Good memories,” Fleury said. “I was very fortunate to play here for so long. It will be nice to do it one more time.”

The 39-year-old netminder spent 13 years in Pittsburgh after being drafted first overall in 2003. He currently sits second all time on the NHL’s win list with 563.

When Fleury arrived at the arena on Tuesday night, the Penguins had a large ‘29’ display made out of flowers on display for him.

Before the game got underway, Fleury posed for a photo with his longtime teammates Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin. The group played together for over a decade and won multiple Stanley Cup championships before Fleury waived his no trade and no movement clauses and was selected to play for the Vegas Golden Knights.

A tribute video was played for Fleury in the arena.

After it was done being shown, he received a standing ovation from the fans in attendance.

“I feel very fortunate,” Fleury said. “Those were some of the best years of my life. I really appreciate it. It’s hard to say goodbye. Thank you very much for all these years, guys.”

Fleury faced 29 shots during the game, making 26 saves and helping lead Minnesota to a 5-3 win.

In what seems like a storybook ending for his last time playing in Pittsburgh, Fleury was awarded 1st Star of the game honors.