Marc-Andre Fleury was honored on 'Marc-Andre Fleury Night' at the Xcel Energy Center before the game, with a ceremony that began at approximately 7:05 and concluded in time for a 7:17 puck drop. The event celebrated his over 1,000 NHL games and his 552 wins, which is the second-most among NHL goaltenders. Players wore jerseys with Fleury's name and flower-numbered jerseys during warm-ups. Filip Gustavsson showed up in a flower wreath, adding to the festivities. The Pittsburgh Penguins presented Fleury with a custom painting featuring moments from his career. Sidney Crosby and other former teammates shared their admiration for Fleury, with Crosby highlighting the pleasure of playing with him. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Pens coach Mike Sullivan maintained a competitive spirit, stating his support for Fleury unless he's playing against the Penguins. The tribute video included heartfelt messages from Fleury's children, and Fleury, touched by the celebration, returned to play for the first time since his injury on January 19.
Flower is a stud. Great ceremony by the Wild to honor his milestones of 1000 GP (1 of 4 all time) and 552 wins (second all time) 🌸
Beautiful ceremony has completed. Incredibly touching pregame video highlighted by his kids' words at the end. Fleury is choked up and showing gratitude to the crowd ... and now has to play for the first time since being hurt Jan. 19
Coolest part of Marc-Andre Fleury tribute video is that all three of his kids were part of it with little tidbits at the end. "It's not the tie that's magical," Estelle says, "It's you." "You're the best," James said.
Wild wearing a flower numbered jersey in warmups as they celebrate Marc-Andre Fleury's 1000th game https://t.co/SUh33EHpb3
Marc-Andre Fleury night at the X. All players wearing Fleury on the back. These are good looking jerseys. https://t.co/WohzNrpqyN
The Penguins honored Marc-Andre Fleury with a custom painting, and a familiar face made the cut on canvas with Alex Ovechkin earning a place in the portrait. More on the painting, why the captain is featured and reflecting on Fleury's iconic career: https://t.co/OeL6tXyWzT
“He loves the game more than anyone.” Marc-Andre Fleury will be honored for his 1,000th game (and more) tonight. ICYMI a tribute through the eyes of peers, teammates + coaches, from Crosby to Brodeur to Olczyk + more #mnwild #pens https://t.co/3a2hQwYvqZ
Filip Gustavsson shows up in a flower wreath on the night the Wild honour Marc-Andre Fleury 😂 https://t.co/8bw4ikQM4a
The Penguins gift Flower a custom painting in honor of Marc-Andre Fleury night. 🌺🖼️ (🎥: @penguins) https://t.co/hcg7HGuKxL https://t.co/akjKIbnerF
The Penguins gifted Marc-Andre Fleury an AMAZING painting featuring different art of Flower from throughout his NHL career 🥹 (via @penguins) https://t.co/qolJC3Oh9z
Sidney Crosby: "He’s had an amazing career. Definitely enjoyed playing with him… it’ll be nice to celebrate there with him." Read more from the captain and a couple of Flower's other longtime teammates and friends ⬇️ https://t.co/tBMaQTKQPe
Pens coach Mike Sullivan acknowledged that both teams have an urgency tonight, and emotions for both sides given the lovable Fleury’s celebration. But no love lost if Pittsburgh spoils the night for Flower. “I root for (Fluery), except for when he plays the Penguins.”
And so begins Marc-Andre Fleury day. Ceremony is set to start at approximately 7:05 and conclude at 7:14 for a 7:17 puck drop 🌸 #mnwild https://t.co/bs2uP7q32G
Is tonight the final time the Penguins will face Marc-Andre Fleury? It could be. Sidney Crosby knows it. He and Mike Sullivan opened up about The Flower, the pain of his 2017 departure, and bracing for what could be the last time: https://t.co/1a7sS59DQJ
Honoring a legend of the game and a huge part of Penguins history 🌸 We are thrilled to be part of 'Marc-Andre Fleury Night', a game commemorating the netminder's 1,000+ @NHL games played and second-most wins among NHL goaltenders.
It's 🌺Night at the X. Some of our favorite Marc-Andre Fleury Russo/ @JoeSmithNHL features 1,000 game profile https://t.co/tKEekyv8Uf Passing Roy https://t.co/RPmwdhZF0w Prank secrets https://t.co/mujpkDpES5 My visit to Fleury's Quebec home https://t.co/V3dEv6NicB
Marc-Andre Fleury will be honored before tonight’s game. @RussoHockey & @AnthonyLaPanta talk Fleury’s future w/ #mnwild, team’s outlook, and guess Guerin’s toughest USA Hockey decisions. BTYB @LiveaCenters @Aquarius_Home @workcompMN @WorkCompMN @Royal_CU https://t.co/o5xoxaqfMM