Two days after Nate Schmidt’s homecoming game in Washington, three-time Stanley Cup champion Marc-Andre Fleury returned to Pittsburgh for the first time since being selected in the expansion draft by the Vegas Golden Knights.
He got a huge reception.
Video
Three-time Stanley Cup Champion.
Two-time Penguins MVP.
One incredible goaltender and human being.Thank you for everything, Flower. pic.twitter.com/sXSFwmmUeP
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 7, 2018
During the first TV timeout, the Penguins played a two-minute video montage celebrating MAF’s career in Pittsburgh. Tears rolled down the goaltender’s face. The goaltender received a minute-long standing ovation from the crowd, delaying the re-start of the game.
Marc-Andre Fleury fighting back tears as he receives a massive ovation in his return to Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/KviGjSet7m
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) February 7, 2018
During warmups, fans, in an incredible sight, plastered the glass with homemade signs.
Photo: @Penguins
MAF also caught up Matt Murray at center ice.
tonight's goaltending matchup pic.twitter.com/5EvF5mRn8k
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) February 6, 2018
Earlier in the day, Fleury received his third Stanley Cup ring from owner Mario Lemieux.
Mario: “Should be fun tonight!”
Fleury: “A little weird, maybe. Hopefully the fans don’t throw too many tomatoes (laughs).” pic.twitter.com/PxMwqo0iXr— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 6, 2018
“I didn’t know what to expect,” Fleury said. “In warmup I had goosebumps. Before the game, people had signs and kind words. It’s a night I won’t forget. Except maybe the score.”
Fleury would give up five goals on 38 shots in the 5-4 loss to the Penguins. Fleury threw his stick in disgust after the game.
Angry Flower pic.twitter.com/Oq0cEVP6wi
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) February 7, 2018
Fleury was still named the third star of the game.
Tonight's #VGKvsPIT three stars: The two-headed monster and a 🌸. pic.twitter.com/fLKK1SWHqh
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 7, 2018
