Marc-André Fleury is used to playing at the Bell Center. But Tuesday night will be different. When he steps on the ice, he will savor the moment a little more than usual… because it could well be the last time.
In the back of your mind, do you think this might be your last departure to Montreal?
This was the first question addressed to Fleury during his meeting with the media after the Minnesota Wild’s practice at the Bell Center on Monday afternoon.
“Yes, I’m thinking about it,” replied the Quebecer with a smile that honors his reputation.
Fleury, who will celebrate his 39th birthday at the end of November, is entering his 20th NHL season. This is also the final year of his two-year contract with the Wild. It’s not a fool’s errand to say that retirement is knocking at the door.
“I’ve said it before, I’m not sure yet what I want to do [after the season],” he continued. But I remain aware that it may be my last. It’s important for me to play this match in front of my family and friends. I would like to enjoy this game as much as possible. »
Asked to delve into his memories, Fleury struggled to name the duels against the Canadian that had the most impact on him. He notably mentioned his first game at the Bell Centre. It was January 3, 2006. “It was really intimidating and stressful,” he recalled, “but I was happy to have the experience. »
From Saku Koivu, Alex Kovalev and Brian Gionta to Juraj Slafkovsky, Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, Fleury has faced several generations of Montreal Canadiens players.
” I’m feeling lucky. I played for a long time, I did the job that I love. There are always many emotions, ups and downs. But I’m lucky. »
Over 20 years, “Flower” has worn different uniforms at the Bell Centre. He was accompanied by many different teammates, too. What never changed, however, were the comments about it. It doesn’t matter who you’re talking to, just mention the goalkeeper’s name and the compliments will flow.
“I feel extremely fortunate to have worked with him in recent years and that it continues,” said the other Quebecer on the team, Frédérick Gaudreau. [Nicolas] Deslauriers told me: you’ll see, my big guy, he’s the best teammate you can have. I had heard the legend from him and many other people. It’s been confirmed and it’s even better.
“I feel very blessed to be able to count him as a friend,” Gaudreau continued. She is a golden person. »
For the Wild, Fleury shares the net with 25-year-old goaltender Filip Gustavsson. The latter was acquired by transaction in the summer of 2022. One of the first people to contact him?
Marc-André Fleury.
“From the day I was traded, he called me directly to tell me to call him if I needed help, that he would do his best,” Gustavsson said. He was always kind and funny to me. […] He helped me with stuff off the ice too: how to behave, like managing yourself in this league. »
“He’s been here since I was 5, he knows what to do in this league. »
Head coach Dean Evason was vocal about his goalie. He highlighted the latter’s relationship with his teammates and the coaching staff.
Over the years, Fleury has seen almost everything. His experience is beneficial not only for Gustavsson, but also for all the players on the team, Evason admitted.
“He can also tell the group how to win. How to defend. What to do. »
Kind of like…a coach?
“Absolutely, he’s an extension of the coaching staff. »
Barring an injury or a huge surprise, Marc-André Fleury will move this season to second among goaltenders in history with the most career victories. He only needs eight wins to overtake Patrick Roy, his idol. “I don’t want to sell the bear’s skin before killing it, but if it happens, it would be an honor,” said the person concerned. For me, Patrick was an idol. He was quite a winner. His playoff record demonstrates it. He was a fighter. But I find it weird to be in the same sentence as him. » It is Martin Brodeur who remains – and, in all likelihood, will remain – the winningest goalie with 691 career wins.
