In an emotional encounter that could mark the end of an illustrious career, Wild coach John Hynes sent goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to overtime, and Minnesota defeated the Anaheim Ducks with a score of 3-2 on Tuesday night, in the last regular season home game.
Fleury, 40, made five saves, including a crucial one during a 4-on-3 power play, securing the victory. The home crowd erupted in jubilation when Hynes announced Fleury’s entrance, who joined the celebration on the ice after the game.
It was fun to go out once again and play the game I love. It was great.
Marc-Andre Fleury
By forcing overtime against Anaheim, the Wild secured their place in the playoffs, where they will face the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round. Although Filip Gustavsson, who started Tuesday’s game, will likely be the starter in the playoff series, Fleury will be on the bench.
Although the Wild (45-30-7) could advance to the postseason, it is likely that Fleury will conclude his career with three Stanley Cups, a Vezina Trophy, and a William M. Jennings Trophy to his name. The player, selected with the 1st overall pick in the 2003 draft, has also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Golden Knights.
I sat there for a few hours. And Hynsey let me in, and I’m happy I got to play a little bit more.
Marc-Andre Fleury
The drama arrived late for Fleury to have his chance in overtime, as Joel Eriksson Ek scored the tying goal with 20.9 seconds remaining in regulation. With the net empty for the extra attacker, a pass from Matt Boldy set up Eriksson Ek at the edge of the crease. Ducks goalie Lukas Dostal stopped the first attempt, but a second whack at the puck sent it into the net, achieving Eriksson Ek’s 14th goal of the season, and setting the stage for Fleury’s entrance.
Boldy scored the game-winning goal, his 27th goal, with 17.9 seconds remaining in overtime.
Fleury’s wife and three children were in attendance at the game, as they were the previous week when he had his last start and they defeated the San Jose Sharks 8-7 in overtime.
I feel fortunate to have another chance to play in front of them. Getting a win, not conceding seven goals, that was also nice. I hope they remember that moment.
Marc-Andre Fleury
Sam Colangelo scored the goal that put Anaheim ahead midway through the third period. Alex Killorn also scored, and Dostal made 37 saves for the Ducks (35-37-9), who were eliminated from playoff contention 11 days earlier.
