Marc-Andre Fleury, goaltender for the Minnesota Wild, made history by securing his 552nd career win, surpassing Patrick Roy to become second on the all-time wins list, and becoming the fourth goalie to play in 1,000 NHL games.
A historic moment unfolded in Minnesota on Monday afternoon. Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury secured his 552nd career win, surpassing Patrick Roy to claim second place on the all-time wins list. “Finally, right?” Fleury quipped to the press after the game. He admitted, “It’s been a little rough lately. I wish we could have done this a little while ago.”
The milestone had been in the making for a while. Fleury had tied with Roy for second place when he achieved his 551st career win on January 6, 2024, against the Columbus Blue Jackets. His teammates’ joy was palpable as they swarmed him for a long-awaited group hug around the net.
“My dream was to play in the NHL,” Fleury shared. He reminisced about his first game and his journey since then, saying, “From then on, it was just one game at a time, one win at a time, trying to win the next one.” He acknowledged the support he’s received, saying, “I’ve been very fortunate to play with really great teams, great teammates, people that helped throughout the journey. It feels crazy to be here now.”
Here’s a fun twist. Roy’s final game was against the Minnesota Wild during the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Andrew Brunette, currently the Nashville Predators’ head coach, scored the overtime winner that ended Roy’s career. Fleury, who idolized Roy growing up, just surpassed him while playing for the team that ended Roy’s career. Talk about coming full circle!
But there’s more to Fleury’s story. Upon tying with “St. Patrick,” he became the fourth goalie to play in 1000 NHL games, an achievement in itself. His impressive career spans the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and now the Wild. Along the way, he’s racked up 552 career wins, a 2.59 goals against average, and a .912 save percentage.
Fleury’s time with the Pittsburgh Penguins was particularly fruitful. He helped them secure three Stanley Cups, starting in 2009 and then again in 2016 and 2017. He also led the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season.
On Tuesday afternoon, Fleury was on top form against the New York Islanders, earning his first shutout of the season. He even humorously thanked the goalposts for assisting in his win.
As the third period wound down, the crowd of 18,000 paid tribute to Fleury with chants of his name. It’s uncertain if he’ll retire this season, but after the warm reception he received on Tuesday and earlier in the season in Montreal, it seems like this could be his last NHL season.
The Wild plan to honor Fleury’s achievements on February 9th when his former team, the Penguins, visit. It’s sure to be a memorable occasion.
‣ Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury achieved his 552nd career win, surpassing Patrick Roy to become second on the all-time wins list.
‣ Fleury also became the fourth goalie to play in 1000 games in the NHL, a significant accomplishment in itself.
‣ Throughout his career, Fleury has played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Minnesota Wild, winning three Stanley Cups with the Penguins.
