PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The last couple of years since Marc-Andre Fleury’s retirement, the team and former Stanley Cup winning goalie have found opportunities for him to be back in Pittsburgh. This weekend it was for Fleury to be inducted in the Penguins Hall of Fame.
“Huge honor, it’s always fun to come back for any reason,” Fleury said Saturday. “I love this team. This organization gave me a chance to live me dream and play here for so long. To me it means a lot they are taking the time to recognize me.”
When Fleury was announced to the crowd right before faceoff, as they honored all the inductees, the roar was the same. Huge ovation and some Fleury chants as well. It’s been special for the goalie that didn't always have great times with the Pens.
“When I played, I wanted to win,” Fleury said. “I wanted the city and the fans to be proud of our team. I wanted to win for them. Right when I was 18 and came in and they welcomed me to the city. The support and the cheers throughout the years have been amazing. That’s why it’s always a special place for me to come back.”
Over the last couple of times returning to Pittsburgh, including Fleury putting the pads on again in a 2025 Pens exhibition game to have his final time on the ice in black and gold, he’s had his family with him. That was the plan this time.
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However, the FAA shutdown of all flights on Friday for nearly five hours stranded his family. Fleury said they had bags packed and were sad to not be in town.
It likely won’t the be the last time he’s honored in Pittsburgh.
What made those teams special?
Fleury also explained how the teams he was on developed into champions.
“The experience that we gained in the first few years when we sucked and lost a lot of games,” Fleury said. “It wasn’t easy. I think that pushed everybody to get better soon. We had a great bunch of veterans, then losing in 2008 gave us the experience we needed.”
“Later on in ’16-17, it was a mix of young guys coming in. I think the chemistry was good for all of those teams. Everybody played their part, played their role very well. A little bit of luck here and there.”
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New kid goalie
Fleury had a chance to meet 22-year-old Pens goalie Sergei Murashov and his description sounded like Fleury was profiling himself as a young player.
“Seems like a sweet kid, happy and smiling,” Fleury said. “I like how he plays too, it’s fun to watch. He’s flexible, explosive, he’s got good hands, and he’s still so young. I’m sure we will be seeing a lot of him.”
Fleury thoughts on Sergei Murashov
Fleury thoughts on Sergei Murashov
